Demarcation and registration of indigenous land in Brazil

Hutchison, Meredith; Nichols, Sue; Santos, Marcelo; Onsrud, Hazel; Paixao, Silvane

Demarcation and registration of indigenous land in Brazil

Authors

Abstract

11 years after the demarcation deadline mandated by Brazil’s 1988 promulgated constitution, over 45% of indigenous territories have still not been demarcated. To explore how the demarcation process continues to be physically obstructed the current framework under which indigenous territories are demarcated and registered, and the conflicting interests that impede this process will be explored. Later, to illustrate the magnitude of this problem, a historical overview of the government’s prioritisation of indigenous issues will also be examined. In sum, this report will explore why Brazil’s demarcation delay has persisted, despite the fact that indigenous people desperately require secure land tenure to protect their unique lifestyles.