Maracanã Village &
Pluriethnic Indigenous University
​FILM SUBJECTS:
PLURIETHNIC INDIGENOUS UNIVERSITY OF MARACANA VILLAGE, RIO ​
The Pluriethnic Indigenous University of Maracanã Village, situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, is a pioneering institution dedicated to serving the urban Indigenous population of Brazil. Representing the 60% of indigenous peoples who live outside the forests, it is not only a center for education and cultural preservation, but also an Indigenous Embassy, advocating for the rights of nature and indigenous cultures.
Representing over 26 indigenous communities, Maracana offers an array of courses that span Indigenous languages, agroecology, environmental education, arts, theater, and more, all rooted in ancestral knowledge. Since 20 years, it has thrived as a living museum and sanctuary, showcasing and disseminating Indigenous culture, history, and knowledge through its courses and community interactions. It regularly hosts international congresses and seminars, attracting eminent scholars, politicians, artists and activists to discuss and shape the future of Indigenous rights. Notable visitors have included prominent figures from various international communities, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas and strengthening the university’s role as a hub for Indigenous advocacy. The university's role extends beyond education to serve as an embassy, a place where Indigenous voices can articulate their needs and rights, engaging directly with governmental and international bodies. This dual function emphasizes the university's commitment to fostering a space where Indigenous cultural practices are not only taught but also actively practiced and integrated into broader societal frameworks.​​
Built on an indigenous sacred site, next to the famed Maracanã stadium atop an indigenous graveyard and former indigenous enslaved prison, the abandoned Indian Museum was reclaimed in 2006 by representatives from various Indigenous ethnic groups aligned with broader social and labor movements. The site received international headlines in 2013 when the state government's military police violently tried to evict its indigenous community, to build a parking lot for the World Cup, despite lacking legal eviction orders. Today it thrives as a meeting place for indigenous and non-indigenous, a language school for different tribal dialects, and school of indigenous art.
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​The university's establishment and ongoing activities challenge the typical narratives and structures imposed by colonial educational systems. It is managed autonomously by Indigenous people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, ensuring that no single group dominates and that the university's operations reflect a truly pluriethnic and decolonized approach. This structure not only empowers the Indigenous community within but also sets a precedent for how Indigenous educational institutions can function independently of state and traditional academic frameworks.​
The university helps to bridge the gap between traditional Indigenous lifestyles and urban living, providing a space where urban Indigenous peoples can reconnect with their heritage, learn from each other, and strengthen communal ties.​ It stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Brazil's Indigenous communities, advocating for their rightful place in the national and international dialogue on Indigenous rights.​
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