BRAZIL YOUNG AMBASSADORS PROGRAM
YAP - BR
KATURÃMA VILLAGE
The Pataxó Hã-hã-hãe community in Aldeia Katurãma is originally from Brumadinho. However, in 2019, due to the collapse of dam 1 at Mina Feijão, the community was forced to move to São Joaquim das Bicas.
Currently, 20 families live in a situation of need and vulnerability in Mata do Japonês, property donated by a Japanese family.
Statement by Cacica Angoha:
"On January 25, 2019, the Brumadinho dam burst and 13 million liters of mud were released into the Paraopeba River, devastating the entire region. At least 237 people died. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and the entire area was contaminated."
'We lived on the banks of the Paraopeba River. Due to environmental crime, we can no longer swim or bathe in Rio. We cannot drink water from Rio, nor fish. Many plants disappeared and hunting disappeared. The damage to our culture and traditionality was immense.'
'We lived on the banks of the Paraopeba River. Due to environmental crime, we can no longer swim or bathe in Rio. We cannot drink water from Rio, nor fish. Many plants disappeared and hunting disappeared. The damage to our culture and traditionality was immense.'
'Then we had to move to a favela in Belo Horizonte to survive. It was a very difficult situation. They set our shack on fire. We were not allowed to wear our traditional costumes on buses and in some establishments. We are humiliated and called Vale's puppies. Some lost their love of life and died. My son suffers from depression and cuts his wrists.'
See the videos where Cacica Angoha and Hayo denounce institutional racism:
'The mud flowed down the Paraopeba River and killed all life in the region. The river was our god and our god was murdered by that mud. Pataxó is rainwater flowing into the river and the sea. We don't do our sacred rituals in Rio, and children cannot be baptized. Because of the disaster, children are less interested in elements of the Pataxó culture.
We now live in a situation of need and vulnerability. Thanks be to God, we received as a donation this land where we are now living. But, we are live in canvas tents.'
'We don't have a school. We do not have access to materials to build our homes. We don't even have money to pick up donations. We have not yet received redress or compensation for environmental crime. They're not even providing us with water. We want justice and we want justice now.'
If you would like to help, please contact us.
On December 26, 2021, we carried out the Christmas mission:
Human dignity is a privilege. Some people don't have the privilege of sleeping under a decent shelter or proper bed. The Pataxós community of Brumadinho lives under plastic tents and without many basic items.
Now, Pataxós can sleep with a little more comfort and dignity, thanks to Holiday Inn who donated 200 kilos of sheets, pillowcases, comforters and towels.