#Brazil #Amazon #Indigenous Rights #Kaxuyana-Tunayana #Nia Tero

Nia Tero Celebrates a Major Milestone in Indigenous Land Rights

On November 18, 2025, Nia Tero, a prominent international organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous Peoples' stewardship over their ancestral lands, proudly announced a significant victory for the Kaxuyana-Tunayana community in Brazil. This milestone marks the official recognition and final demarcation of Indigenous territories, encompassing a remarkable total of 2.4 million hectares in the Amazon rainforest. The announcement, made during the COP30 summit, delivers enhanced protections and greater self-determination for Indigenous communities across 20 designated areas.

A Step Towards Justice

The Brazilian government’s decision to finalize the demarcation of Kaxuyana-Tunayana, along with Uirapuru, Manoki, and Estação Parecis Indigenous lands, is not merely a bureaucratic process; it symbolizes decades of struggle and perseverance by Indigenous leaders. The Kaxuyana-Tunayana territory alone covers an area exceeding 2.1 million hectares and constitutes approximately 88% of the total land recognized in this announcement.

"The original peoples whose territorial demands have been recognized today have won a victory for their descendants and the world that relies on a healthy Amazon," stated Aulani Wilhelm, CEO of Nia Tero. This statement encapsulates the essence of this endeavor, where the recognition of land rights is intrinsically linked to the environmental well-being of the region.

Years of Collective Struggle

The formal recognition of the Kaxuyana-Tunayana territory illustrates over 20 years of collective effort from the Indigenous community, led by AIKATUK and notable leaders including Juventino Kaxuyana and Angela Kaxuyana. Nara Baré, Brazil Director for Nia Tero, emphasized the importance of this victory, stating that the acknowledgment represents reparations for historical injustices that have long oppressed Indigenous communities.

Angela Kaxuyana added, "This demarcation signifies not just territory, but a reclaiming of dignity for our people against the backdrop of the state’s oppression and neglect. It is a step towards restoring our connection to the land, which has been severed for generations."

Land Demarcation Explained

In Brazil, land demarcation is the government’s formal acknowledgment of Indigenous land rights. The process includes thorough investigations, historical assessments, and the physical demarcation of the land. This step is crucial as it triggers enhanced protections and recognizes the autonomy of Indigenous communities. Nia Tero, along with partners like the Bezos Earth Fund, played an instrumental role in facilitating this final phase.

The term "homologation" refers to the official recognition by the President that activates legal protections for these lands. The Indigenous peoples of Kaxuyana-Tunayana have tirelessly pursued this recognition for over 22 years, which signifies not only a legal victory but a restoration of their roles as stewards of their environment.

The Implications of Recognition

The newly demarcated Indigenous lands in northern Pará stand out as some of the most ecologically significant areas in the Amazon. These territories are famed for their biodiversity and hold some of the lowest rates of deforestation in Brazil, effectively maintaining ecological corridors critical for climate stability. The ecological impact of recognizing these Indigenous lands cannot be overstated; studies have consistently demonstrated that regions managed by Indigenous groups show superior conservation outcomes compared to other forms of land use.

As the Kaxuyana-Tunayana people reclaim their land, the implications extend beyond their immediate community, reminding the world of the vital role they play in conserving the Amazon, which harbors a staggering 16% of all terrestrial biodiversity. The health of the Amazon rainforest is intertwined with global ecological stability, underscoring the urgency of prioritizing Indigenous rights in environmental policy.

The Way Forward

Nia Tero’s advocacy highlights the essential role that Indigenous communities play as guardians of our planet. The organization aims to elevate the influence of Indigenous Peoples in policy discussions concerning conservation and climate change. The historic recognition of the Kaxuyana-Tunayana territory is a testament to the potential of collaborative efforts in addressing the climate crisis, championing sustainable practices, and fostering ecological stewardship.

As we look towards the future, the message is clear: Indigenous rights are fundamental to achieving environmental justice and ensuring the health of our planet. Nia Tero's celebration of this victory serves not only as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities but also as a beacon of hope for future generations committed to preserving our natural world.

For more information about Nia Tero's efforts and ongoing initiatives, visit Nia Tero.