'We do not accept any setback' - Indigenous groups march in Brasilia to demand land demarcation amid mining expansions

"Thousands of Indigenous people took to the streets of Brasilia on Tuesday as part of the Free Land Camp (ATL) 2026, calling for the demarcation of their territories amid what they describe as growing mining exploitation in their regions. Footage shows demonstrators with large banners advancing towards the Esplanade of Ministries, near Brazil's National Congress. At the site, the crowd set polystyrene skulls ablaze in a symbolic act representing threats to life in their ancestral lands. "Brazil continues to exterminate its Indigenous peoples through mining, gold and illegal exploitation. We need to demarcate our territory," said Fabio Pataxo, a protester. "We do not accept any setback, and we need the government to demarcate our lands, ratify them and expel the intruders," added Sandro Gomes Barbosa, the General Chief of the Potiguara people. The camp also seeks to strengthen Indigenous political representation in state decision-making and build a shared agenda on issues including climate change and the protection of the Amazon. "We are suffering many attacks within our territory due to the fact that demarcation has not yet been carried out in many Indigenous territories. We also come to seek health, education and quality of life," added another protester, Wilker Guarini. The mobilisation comes amid criticism over unfulfilled promises made during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 2022 campaign, including commitments to advance the demarcation of Indigenous lands and strengthen the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. Activists also point to growing pressure from corporate and geopolitical interest in rare minerals - used in electronics, electric vehicles and advanced military technologies - found in abundance in Brazil's territory. The mobilisation is expected to run from April 5 to 11 under the slogan 'Our future is not for sale: the answer is us,' bringing together around 300 Indigenous groups to press demands on land rights, mining expansion and legislative proposals seen as threatening Indigenous protections."

Go to News Site