The Village of Tekoa Pyau

Photos taken by Kennedy Campbell (Kalamazoo College), Student Correspondent for CET Brazil, Fall 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Village Life

About half an hour outside of the city center lies the Urban Indigenous Village of Tekoa Pyau where our CET program would be staying for the weekend. On our first day, we were warmly welcomed by Sandra, a member of the Tepaui Indigenous family from Minas Gerais who has lived in this community for over 18 years.

We started the day with breakfast, which included mbaepy (a type of Guarani corn dish), mbojape (a type of bread), baked fish, watermelon, tea, and coffee. Some of the community leaders joined us including Marcio Vera, a Guarani resident of Tekoa Mirim. Additionally, we met community leader Ara Lucia, another Guarani resident who guided us to the Opy’i, a sacred prayer house. During that time we talked about spirituality, cultural practices, and the importance of the community.

As we explored the village, Sandra and Ara introduced us to some of the community’s sustainable crops. These included a variety of herbs and fruits. Later, we gathered at a community building where Ara taught us the art of making beaded jewelry—a skill passed down through generations. To conclude the day, we had dinner and spent the night in a nearby church within the community.

Day 2: Rainy Day Reflections and Visit to Parque Estadual do Jaraguá

The second day brought heavy rain, so our originally planned hike to Pico do Jaraguá had to be canceled. After breakfast, we visited Parque Estadual do Jaraguá. As we walked, Sandra and Ara pointed out the preserved home of Afonso Sardinha, a historic Bandeirante from the colonial era. They explained how the first floor of his house was historically used as boarding for enslaved Africans. This led us to discuss the controversial place that Bandeirantes hold in Brazilian society, which has been talked about in many of the classes at CET. While celebrated as explorers, they were also responsible for violent colonization efforts that profoundly impacted both indigenous and African populations.

Sandra and Ara shared their perspectives on how this legacy continues to affect Indigenous rights today, especially around the land. They explained the arduous process of land demarcation—securing legal recognition of indigenous territories—and the challenges of having the government formally recognize their rights to the land they inhabit.

Through these conversations, Sandra and Ara also highlighted the Guarani people’s traditionally peaceful nature, which has influenced their historical interactions with colonial forces. While they managed to avoid direct violent conflict with Bandeirantes, they faced steady displacement, eventually forced to settle in areas to maintain the community.

It was mentioned that the community achieved a significant step forward when the government approved a new indigenous school, even though the land remains without formal demarcation. However recently, the community has been granted demarcation, which is a huge step forward towards protecting indigenous people and progressing the Land Back Movement. Overall the experience was one that I will cherish. I am forever thankful to all of the members of the community for being welcoming and willing to open their community up to us.