Brazil signs demarcation of Guarani indigenous territories
Brazil’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, signed declaratory ordinances in Brasília recognizing seven indigenous territories of the Guarani people in the state of São Paulo. The designated territories are Jaraguá, Pindoty/Araça-Mirim, Guaviraty, Tapy'i/Rio Branquinho, Amba Porã, Djaiko-aty, and Peguaoty.
The official recognition occurred on Wednesday (Oct. 23), in the presence of Minister of Indigenous Peoples Sonia Guajajara, marking the end of an eight-year hiatus in the demarcation of indigenous lands in this state.
To finalize the demarcation process, a final step remains: the publication of a decree signed by the country’s president.
Together, the lands located in the capital and Osasco encompass over 18,000 hectares and currently provide a habitat for 982 indigenous people. The documents also recognize indigenous territories in municipalities within the Ribeira Valley, including Cananéia, Iguape, Miracatu, and Sete Barras.
According to the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), this act aims to secure permanent possession of their territories for the Guarani Mbya and Tupi Guarani peoples. The organization also notes that the Guarani are still awaiting the declaration of three additional indigenous lands in the states of São Paulo and Paraná.
