Tribes Of Brazil

There are many tribes in Brazil.  Some of them are quite isolated from other people where as  others are very visible and active in urban society.  The most known of these tribes are the Kayapo and the Yanomami.  

The Kayapo people are found in the eastern Amazon region.  Most Kayapo live along the Xingu River near Para.  The government has shown an interest in this area because they want to create dams on the Xingu river.  The Kayapo are opposed to this as these actions would threaten their traditional way of life and the existence of the Rain Forest.  The Kayapo have become very involved with the media and are very active in social action projects that threaten the Amazon Rainforest and their culture.

The Yanomami people live in a region along the Brazilian - Venezuelan boarder.  They live in small villages.  Sometimes they settle in an area or move around.  These people are both nomadic and sedentary.  They have had many negative experiences with the government wanting to take their land away for dam building or road construction.  The Yanomami are being put on reserves in order for the government to work around them.  The Yanomami are very unhappy as they are giving up almost 70% of the land rights they used to have.

Student activities:

1.  Research and find two other tribes that live in Brazil.  Complete the chart comparing the various factors for each tribe.  Present your information to your class.  Maybe you can have some pictures your class could look at!

2.  Using the same chart as above, complete all the information for the Yanomami and the Kayapo tribes.

3.  Research and find the origins of these tribes.  Where did these people come from?  Who are their ancestors? You probably need to research prehistoric times.  

4.  Write a report explaining how the treatment of the Kayapo and the Yanomami is comparable to that of the native people of Canada.  make sure to use facts you have learned in Canadian History.

5.  Write a letter to the Brazilian government asking them to support the rights of the Kayapo and the Yanomami people.  Make sure to explain your reasons fully.

6.  Are there distinct communities in your town or city?  Where do they live and how integrated are they?

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