Indigenous Populations of Amazon Move to Cities, Encounter Urban Poverty

Binan Tuku, an Amazonian Indigenous individual, encountered a Brazilian government expedition on the Itui River’s banks in the secluded western Amazon rainforest in 1976. He and his father, initially skeptical, began their tribe’s interactions with the outside world by accepting machetes and soap.

Fast forward to nearly half a century later, and Tuku’s son, Tumi, is trying to make ends meet in the poverty-stricken city of Atalaia do Norte. Tumi, now a bakery worker, departs from traditional Matis tribal roles, handling a pastry bag instead of a blowgun. His face does not display the traditional Matis tattoos or piercings.

Tumi, aged 24, hopes to further his education in the city and potentially study medicine or journalism at a college level. “Engaging with non-Indigenous people and learning from the challenges I face could provide valuable insights to share with village elders upon returning,” Tumi said.

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Various Indigenous individuals, similar to Tumi, are migrating to cities like Atalaia do Norte. Some are in search of superior educational opportunities while others are lured by federal welfare benefits, often trapping them in a cycle of urban poverty. This migration is leading to the decline of Indigenous villages and igniting worries about the largest tropical rainforest’s future, a critical barrier against severe climate change.

Anthropologist Almério Alves Wadick estimates that around half of the 6,200 Indigenous inhabitants in the Javari Valley now reside in urban areas. Binin Matis, leader of the Matis Indigenous Association, fears this migration may lead to the loss of traditional language and increased exposure to harmful substances like drugs.

President of the Indigenous Peoples’ Association in the Javari Valley, Bushe Matis, expresses concerns that this shift could trigger reductions in health and education programs. It could also endanger Indigenous territories that could be exposed to mining and drilling.

In a bid to protect the region from illegal activities such as fishing, mining, and logging, Univaja has set up its own surveillance team, replacing the duties previously fulfilled by the villagers.

The Indigenous communities face hostility from non-Indigenous residents who view them as competition for scarce resources, including fish. A federal program, Bolsa Familia, launched 20 years ago to provide financial aid to families ensuring their children’s immunization and school attendance, is partially driving this migration. However, this has resulted in a multitude of issues, including exploitation and vulnerability to alcohol and disease in city life.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples is working on amendments to the program to make payments more accessible without necessitating frequent travel. This includes plans for extended withdrawal periods and flexible payment dates.

Improving education in Indigenous territories to minimize the motivation to migrate is a significant aim for the ministry. Nelly Marubo, an Indigenous anthropologist, advocates for culturally tailored village schools to offer access to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge. However, she recounts a recent visit to her native region in the Javari Valley with a heavy heart, discovering an almost deserted village inhabited by only four elderly women.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Indigenous migration

More about Indigenous migration

• Amazon Rainforest
• Indigenous Peoples in Brazil
• Bolsa Familia Program
• Atalaia do Norte
• Javari Valley
• Brazilian Ministry of Indigenous Affairs
• Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest