President Lula receives Xingu leaders

On Thursday, February 20, President Lula received leaders from the Xingu Indigenous Lands in a meeting at the Alvorada Palace. The participants were Chief Tapi Yawalapiti, Anuiá Yawalapiti (coordinator of the Indigenous Cultures Hub), Lappa Yawalapiti (coordinator of the Indigenous Cultures Hub) and Juliano George Basso (coordinator of the Multiethnic Village).

The event discussed topics that are relevant to the Xingu Indigenous Lands — such as food security, climate change, and strengthening of Xingu cultures and identity. Sixteen Indigenous ethnic groups inhabit the territory in the state of Mato Grosso: Yawalapiti, Aweti, Ikpeng, Kaiabi, Kalapalo, Kamaiurá, Kĩsêdjê, Kuikuro, Matipu, Mehinako, Nahukuá, Naruvotu, Wauja, Tapayuna, Trumai, and Yudja.

The President promised to visit the Xingu Lands later this year to advance discussions and implement important measures for Indigenous peoples. On that occasion, he will also visit Chief Raoni Metuktire to pay tribute to this important Kayapó leader, internationally recognized for defending the rights of Indigenous peoples.