Dear friends,
In Bahia, Northeast Brazil, indigenous communities are currently under attack by gunmen working for the agribusiness elite in an attempt to claim more lands for corporate exploitation. This is a known problem, however, the crisis has escalated due to the upcoming presidential elections taking place in October 2nd, as many Bolsonaro supporters fear that with the end of his mandate, there might be a reinforcement of governmental policies to protect indigenous territories, which during the last 4 years have been removed altogether.
The impact of these assaults has put a toll on many communities' resources, who are now struggling to cover basic needs, as several families are displaced daily, more recently, the Pataxós, who have been attacked just last week in an attempt by landowners and gunmen to immobilize the demarcation process of indigenous lands.
For WILD FRUITS, the short film I made this summer, we have been in close collaboration with Cacique Ramon Tupinambá, from the Tupinambá de Olivena community in Ilhéus, Bahia. Their group is also in contact with Pataxó leaderships, creating networks of mutual support in the region. Together we are looking for ways to create a more lasting support ecosystem from Europe directly to the Tupinambá's social projects and needs. Right now, the main issue at hand is gathering financial resources for feeding the families which are under attack. Therefore, I extend their call to close friends and acquaintances who might be able to help us. Since Brazilian currency is so devalued, every euro counts. I have set up this donation link below! I hope you can help by donating or spreading the word to your networks. If you prefer to donate directly via Paypal or via PIX in Brazil, hereby the details ( PIX: CPF 01348585579 Ramon Souza Santos / Paypal: nadiakauatupinamba@gmail.com) Thank you so much!