Keilah Fonseca, one of the leaders of the Black Women Association within the Quilombo de São Benedito Community, in Manaus (AM), recommends the book “O Fim do silêncio: Presença Negra na Amazônia” (The End of Silence: Black Presence in the Amazon) by Patrícia Melo Sampaio. The work reflects on the history and importance of the Black people in the Amazon, revealing the origins of the quilombolas in the region. “This book is about the origin of the quilombola peoples”, comments Keilah.

Erisvan Guajajara, cultural activist, journalist of the Guajajara people in Maranhão, reporter for the Terra portal and one of the founders of the collective “Mídia India” (Indigenous Media), suggests the remixes by DJ Eric Terena and the album “Tchautchiüãne” by Djuena Tikuna. “I like to listen and it brings a powerful rhythm that represents the Indigenous people”, says Erisvan. The two artists stand out in the musical panorama that represents Indigenous peoples today. To listen, go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpehiugMGxU.

Sineia do Vale, Indigenous leader of the Wapichana ethnic group and Coordinator of the Department of Territorial and Environmental Management of the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR), recommends the documentary “Quentura” by Mari Corrêa, in which Indigenous women from the Amazon observe the impact of climate change on their lives. To watch, go to the link: https://vimeo.com/307734732

Rosi Waikhon, Indigenous to the Wa’íkhana people, with a Masters in Social Anthropology from the Federal University of the Amazon (UFAM), PhD from the Postgraduate Program in Social Anthropology at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) and researcher at the Nucleus of Indigenous Population Studies – NEPI, indicates two works.

The book “Antes o mundo não existia” (“Before the world did not exist“), by Umusi Parokumu and Tõrãmü Këhíri, is based on a collection of mythical narratives from the Desana people. Fundamental reading to understand the development of Indigenous literature.

Vanda Witoto, Indigenous leader of the Witoto people, who has become a symbol of the fight against Covid-19 in the Parque das Tribos community, in Manaus, also recommends two works.

“Nós somos a floresta” (“We are the forest“), by Djuena Tikuna, is a song that represents the voice of Indigenous peoples through music. Listen on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSicY_a20Fw

The book “Ideas to postpone the end of the world“, by Ailton Krenak, consists of an adaptation of two lectures given by one of the greatest Indigenous thinkers of our time. In it, Krenak criticizes the idea that humanity can be seen as something separate from nature.