Watatakalu Yawalapiti: A Lifetime of Activism in the Amazon Rainforest

In May of this year, in Geneva, Switzerland, a powerful and enlightening talk took center stage, bringing together the passionate voices of Indigenous leaders committed to preserving the Amazon rainforest and advocating for the rights of its native people.

This event was a collaborative effort hosted by Addict Lab, organized by Equestrio Foundation and The Rethink Hub for AFVRainforest Organization. AFV is a French and Brazilian non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the Amazon Forest and its Indigenous people by creating awareness and implementing projects in the Xingu region in Brazil.

At the heart of this event were two extraordinary figures: Watatakalu Yawalapiti and Indigenous Chief Tapi Yawalapiti, who had embarked on the AFV European tour for Indigenous Chief Raoni to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities. This tour was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indigenous people who call the Amazon their home.

Meet Watatakalu Yawalapiti

Watatakalu Yawalapiti, 42 years old, is a remarkable individual who has emerged as a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and women’s empowerment in Brazil. She represents Indigenous women in the vast territory of Xingu, an area that encompasses the largest protected Indigenous reserve in Brazil, housing sixteen distinct Indigenous communities. Watatakalu’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to protecting the Amazon and preserving the unique cultures of its native peoples.

From her early years, Watatakalu was immersed in the world of activism, drawing inspiration from her family. Her father, a former village chief and a member of the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI), played a pivotal role in shaping her path. He instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility to safeguard the Amazon, which he referred to as an “open-air supermarket” that provides for its inhabitants, but only on the condition that it is cherished and protected.

Watatakalu’s introduction to activism came at a tender age when she participated in the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. At just 11 years old, she recognized the importance of Indigenous voices in a world predominantly dominated by white men. She understood the necessity of defending the uniqueness of Indigenous cultures and ensuring that someone from among them speaks for them. Her early experiences instilled in her the importance of cultural preservation and the need to maintain agency over her own identity.

A significant turning point in Watatakalu’s life was her three-year confinement after her first menstruation, a traditional practice. While locked in a small room, she learned patience and developed a profound connection with her body. After facing a forced marriage, which she refused to consummate, she even- tually returned to her family. Her journey was one of resilience and the reclamation of her identity, much like the Watatakalu, a small fruit from the pequi family that opens before falling to the ground.

Watatakalu firmly believes that the environmental and women’s rights movements are intertwined. Her mission now revolves around amplifying the voices of Indigenous women, with a particular focus on enhancing their access to education. In her culture, women are considered as vital as the trees from which they are carved in to their own Creation myth.

ATIX Mulher

To promote the rights of Indigenous women, Watatakalu founded the organization ATIX, dedicated to including women in the struggle for Indigenous rights. She also played a crucial role in the creation of a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, led by a woman. Some even see her as a potential successor to the great Chief Raoni. However, Watatakalu, while honored by the notion, believes that there is only one Raoni on Earth, and he is indestructible.

ATIX Mulher, the female branch of the Indigenous Women’s Movement of the Xingu Indigenous Reservation Association, has been instrumental in securing food and essential supplies for the 16 ethnic groups residing in the Xingu Indigenous Reservation, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic in 2020. Their initiatives include organizing food donations and crowdfunding campaigns to benefit the 130 villages where the groups reside. The sale of Indigenous crafts and honey also provides income for the villagers, helping to sustain many small agriculture-based businesses. ATIX Mulher’s approach is unique in that it promotes the empowerment of Indigenous women within the context of their own cultures and customs, fostering their greater acceptance within their communities and driving genuine progress in female emancipation.

Environment and Traditions

In her compelling talk, Watatakalu Yawalapiti shed light on the profound challenges the Indigenous communities face, most notably the insidious threats of river pollution and the relentless encroachment of agricultural industries on their lands. River pollution, often stemming from various industrial activities, poses a grave risk to the Indigenous communities reliant on these waterways for their livelihoods and traditions. As these once-pristine rivers are contaminated, the delicate balance of life in the Amazon is disrupted, impacting both the environment and the people who call it home.

Furthermore, the unrelenting expansion of agricultural industries presents a pressing concern. These industries, driven by the pursuit of profits, continue to lay claim to more and more land, further advancing upon the territories of Indigenous communities. As their lands are taken away, these communities face displacement, a loss of their cultural heritage, and the erosion of their traditional way of life.

Watatakalu’s talk was a powerful call to the Western world to open its eyes to the profound impact of their lifestyles on Indigenous communities. She urged people to recognize that the products we consume and the choic- es we make have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only our environment but the lives of those who inhabit it. Her message underscores the importance of conscious consumption and advocacy for sustainable practices, recognizing the interconnectedness of our global ecosystem.

In September 2023, a historic victory emerged for Brazil’s Indigenous communities, when the country’s Supreme Court took a stand against efforts to dramatically strip back Indigenous land rights. This momentous decision involved a challenge to Indigenous rights based on a legal interpretation of a section of Brazil’s 1988 constitution that granted Indigenous tribes the right to claim the lands they traditionally occupied. This interpretation, known as Marco Temporal, would have significantly limited tribal claims to territories they were occupying or legally disputing on the day the constitution was ratified.

This ruling in favor of the Indigenous tribes marks a pivotal moment in recognizing the importance of Indigenous rights and safeguarding the constitutional protection they deserve. It sends a resounding message that any setback to these rights is unacceptable. The decision reaffirms Brazil’s commitment to protecting the communities that serve as stewards of the forests, and safeguarding these vital ecosystems.

It was considered that the potential consequences of allowing this legal interpretation would be an inconceivable setback and a violation of the human rights of the Indigenous communities. The years-long legal battle unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying disputes over Indigenous lands, particularly under the leadership of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, a right-wing leader, oversaw rising rates of deforestation in the Amazon region and pledged not to demarcate any new tribal territories during his time in office. His government faced allegations of retaliation against employees and groups supporting land protection, as detailed in a Human Rights Watch report.

Moving Forward

Watatakalu’s impassioned plea for the protection of Indigenous lands and her tireless work in advocating for the rights of her people are emblematic of the ongoing struggle faced by Indigenous communities. The battle for the Amazon and the preservation of Indigenous cultures is an ongoing endeavor that requires the collective efforts of individuals and nations worldwide. Watatakalu’s journey, from the Amazon to the international stage, exemplifies the resilience and determination of those who strive to protect our planet’s precious ecosystems and ensure the rights of its original inhabitants. Her dedication to preserving the environment, advocating for women’s rights, and empowering Indigenous communities underscores the inseparable link between these causes.

As May’s talk and the recent Supreme Court ruling in Brazil illuminate, the challenges facing Indigenous communities in the Amazon are complex and pressing. These communities persist in their fight, and it is incumbent upon the world to join them in this endeavor. What we’ve always called “the lungs of our planet” is first and foremost the home of many people. The Amazon is not only a vital environmental treasure but also a living testament to the diverse cultures that have thrived within it and cared for it for centuries. By heeding Watatakalu’s call and advocating for the preservation of the Amazon and the rights of its Indigenous inhabitants, we embrace our shared responsibility to protect both the environment and the rich tapestry of human cultures that rely on it.

Nathalie (Ha-Na) GROLIMUND

I work Globally, helping people rethink their lives and build future-proofed businesses | I’m passionate about Mindset (Shift), Sustainability, Conservation and Entrepreneurship

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