A legacy of colonization and ongoing struggles

By Olivia Norby – Senior Copy Editor

On Jan. 23, Henrique C. Guimarães, a distinguished human rights lawyer from Brazil, delivered insights into the Yanomami peoples and Brazil’s complex history of colonization at Bishop’s Pre-Law Society’s first in-person event. 

Brazil’s history is deeply informed by stories of colonization, displacement and resistance, particularly concerning its Indigenous peoples. Over five centuries ago, Portuguese explorers landed on the shores of what is now Brazil, setting off a chain of events that would forever alter the course of history for the native inhabitants of the land.

While the arrival of the Portuguese in 1500 is often termed the “discovery” of Brazil, Indigenous peoples had long inhabited the territory. Guimarães explained that it marked the beginning of a brutal process of colonization, characterized by exploitation, violence and the forced assimilation of Indigenous cultures into European norms. By the mid-17th century, the Indigenous population had declined drastically, decimated by disease, violence and displacement from their ancestral lands. 

In the 20th century, Brazil witnessed a period of military rule that sought to assimilate Indigenous peoples into mainstream society, often disregarding their rights and autonomy. As explained by Guimarães, projects such as the construction of the Trans-Amazonian Highway further exacerbated conflicts and encroachment on Indigenous territories, leading to environmental degradation and the displacement of communities.

Pero Vaz de Caminha’s descriptions of the Indigenous peoples offer a glimpse into the encounter between European explorers and the Indigenous inhabitants. However, these encounters were often ruined by misunderstanding, conflict and the imposition of foreign beliefs and customs upon Indigenous societies.

Guimarães’ talk highlighted the Yanomami people among the many Indigenous groups profoundly affected by these developments. The Yanomami people inhabit the Amazon region spanning Brazil and Venezuela. Despite constitutional guarantees of land rights, Indigenous territories have faced relentless intrusion, particularly from illegal mining activities that have ravaged the environment and threatened the health and livelihoods of Indigenous communities. Guimarães explained how “today after a year of operation, miners are returning to the region, malnutrition is on the rise again, making it urgent for the government to take new measures to protect the Yanomami people.”

Recent political shifts, including the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, have aggravated tensions and posed grave challenges to Indigenous rights and environmental protections. Bolsonaro’s refusal to define land for Indigenous peoples and his government’s involvement in the expansion of illegal mining have further endangered the already vulnerable Indigenous populations, including the Yanomami. “Countless Indigenous people were [poisoned by] mercury used in mining, [with] thousands, mainly children, suffering from malnutrition and hundreds dying of hunger.”

In the face of difficulty, Guimarães notes that Indigenous leaders like Davi Kopenawa Yanomami have emerged as voices of resilience and advocacy, working tirelessly to defend their communities’ rights and preserve their ancestral lands. “His first contact with the white man occurred in his childhood, on an expedition of American missionaries, whom Kopenawa calls the “people of Teosi.” He reports that as a boy, he was afraid, like several other Indigenous people in his village, of the napë, mainly because of the objects they carried, such as engines and firearms,” Guimarães explained.

The struggle for Indigenous rights in Brazil remains an uphill battle, as systemic injustices and ingrained power dynamics continue to threaten the survival of Indigenous peoples. Guimarães expressed that as Brazil navigates its path forward, it is important to acknowledge and address the historical injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and to uphold their rights to autonomy, cultural preservation and land sovereignty. Only through genuine discussion, respect and collective action can Brazil begin to reckon with its colonial legacy and create a more inclusive and fair future for all its inhabitants, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, he says.

Guimarães’ presentation concluded with an extensive question session, during which numerous individuals expressed their opinions and posed questions about whether Yanomami peoples are receiving any international aid, how their treatment evades international attention and more.

The BUPLS extended their gratitude to Pedro Henrique C. Guimarães for his compelling presentation and to Prof. Bruce Gilbert for organizing the session.