Kayapo people
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kayapo (also Kayapó, Caiapó) are the Gê-speaking native peoples of the plain lands of the Mato Grosso and Para in Brazil, south of the Amazon Basin and along Rio Xingu and its tributaries. They numbered 7,096 in 2003.
The Kayapo live in the rainforests using a sustainable slash-and-burn horticulture. Using global media and international attention, they have established political power over their own land. At one time, mining and logging threatened to destroy the rainforest, and thus their way of life. In retaliation, the Kayapo people used forceful tactics to banish loggers and miners in some areas, as well as establish themselves as an economic force. Later, they were again threatened by secretive government plans to build a series of hydro-electric dams on their land. A large demonstration was orchestrated by the Kayapo, drawing media attention world-wide. This demonstration, staged at the planned site for the first dam in Altamira, Pará, lasted several days and brought much pressure upon both the World Bank and the Brazilian government. In addition, the rock star Sting made an appearance at the demonstration. As a result, the World Bank denied the request for a loan which was to be used to build the dam. The Brazilian government backed out of the plans, as well. Subgroups of the Kayapo include the Xikrin, Gorotire and Menkragnoti.
[edit] External links
- Kayapo Indians, Indian Cultures from Around the World
- The Kayapo, vanderbilt.edu
- Mary Witoshynsky, "The Xikrin Reclaim Their Forest and Culture", Ford Foundation project appraisal
