This story excerpt was translated from Portuguese. To read the original story in full, visit Um Só Planeta. You may also view the original story on the Rainforest Journalism Fund website here. Our website is available in English, Spanish, bahasa Indonesia, French, and Portuguese.
On the front lines of defense of their peoples and territories, Vanda Witoto and Maial Kaiapó ran for federal deputy for the Rede Sustentabilidade in Amazonas and Pará in 2022 — a year in which Indigenous people set an all-time record, with 164 candidacies, 44.5% of them female. Despite not being elected, both had a significant number of votes and awakened in their peoples the desire to occupy institutional politics.
A report that followed the campaigns of both candidates in September tells their stories, difficulties and potentials, as well as the political balance of this journey from the specialists' point of view.
Vanda Witoto, candidate for federal deputy for the state of Amazonas, is shown on the street outside her home in Parque das Tribos, a multi-ethnic community that brings together about 2,500 Indigenous people from more than 30 different ethnic groups in Manaus. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. A group of women campaigning for another candidate takes a photo with Vanda Witoto, candidate for federal deputy for Amazonas, during campaigning in the east zone of Manaus. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. Nephews of Vanda Witoto show off their aunt's graduation album. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. Vanda Witoto, candidate for federal deputy for the state of Amazonas, speaks during the Amazon and Indigenous Women's Day celebrations at Parque das Nações, a multi-ethnic community in Manaus. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. Candidate Vanda Witoto participates in a celebration at the Parque das Nações, a multi-ethnic community in Manaus. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. Maial Kaiapó, candidate for federal deputy for the state of Pará, is shown at her uncles' house in Ourilândia do Norte, southwestern region of Pará. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. This is an aerial view of the region of Marabá, where Maial Kaiapó, candidate for federal representative for the state of Pará, concentrated part of her campaign. In the image are large areas of deforestation and mining, in addition to numerous fires in the region. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. A part of the Hõpryre village, of the indigenous Gavião Parkatêjê people, was destroyed by fire. The region has recently been the focus of several arson fires. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. Maial Kaiapó receives the jenipap painting from her aunt. The task is carried out exclusively by women. According to the Kaiapós, painting is a form of spiritual protection and should only be done when the body is in good health. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. Jõprãme Parkatêjê, an Indigenous teacher in the Kaikoturé village, of the Gavião Parkatêjê people, talks with women during a visit by Maial Kaiapó. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. Maial Kaiapó walks alongside women in the Kaikoturé village, of the Gavião Parkatêjê people, while campaigning. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022. Housewife Vanessa Barbosa records a video at her house in Rio Negro to support the campaign of the Bancada Amazônida women's collective. Image by Gabriela Portilho/Um Só Planeta. Brazil, 2022.
October 26, 2022
