Enawene Nawe |
Enawene Nawe is a small tribe in the Amazonian forest of Mato Grosso state, Brazil. When they were first contacted in 1974 there were only 91 individuals in the tribe. It has grown to be around 500.
They live in communal houses which could home up to 50 people. All of these houses are set up around a center where rituals and communal activities are performed. While fighting to survive, this tribe is being oppressed by the Mato Grosso government which is planning to build 80 hydroelectric dams in the Juruena River basin where their land is situated. The government has not yet properly consulted with the Enawene Nawe about the project and they fear that this will pollute their water, which will destroy the fish, from whom they get their food supply. Moreover their tribe also depends on the fishing rituals which occur throughout the year according to the wet and dry cycles of the years. Most of the land of the Enawene Nawe was recognized by the government except for a crucial piece called the Adowina, or Rio Preto. This is where they build their fishing camps and wooden dams to smoke and trap fish. It is also where most of their spirits live therefore, it is both spiritually and economically important to them. Presently, it is being invaded by cattle ranchers who cut down trees to make room for pastures and threaten the Enawene Nawe with violence and burn down their fishing dams. This tribe is urgently pleading to have the building of new dams be suspended until they have been properly consulted with the tribe and the impacts. Also, they are also asking for the Rio Pietro land to be recognized as their own and the removal of all ranchers and cattle. |