In the previous editions of the World Social Forum (WSF), the participation of Indians was limited to speakers and guests. At the V WSF, to be held in Brazil from January 26 to 31, issues concerning indigenous peoples will be debated for the first time in a concrete space, denominated the “Puxirum of Indigenous Arts and Sciences.”

“In various indigenous languages, puxirum means a collaborative effort, where everybody works for a common purpose,” affirms Orlando Melgueiro, a member of the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (Coiab), one of the entities that is organizing the space.

The Puxirum tent will promote conferences, crafts fairs, indigenous music and dance festivals, and film showings.

The activities will get underway every day at 6 A.M. with spiritual ceremonies.

The debates will revolve around themes dealing with land issues, natural resources, ancestral wisdom, constitutional rights, diversity, and democracy.

In Meigueiro’s view, it is possible to unite indigenous peoples from different continents.

“Considering that the realities, the land, and the cultures are very similar, it will be a moment for us to strengthen the thinking of indigenous peoples,” he affirmed.

According to him, over 400 Indians from approximately 150 communities on the American continent are expected.

Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil