The presentation of the book Memories of the Struggles to Build an Embodied Indigenism, by renowned Brazilian indigenist Egydio Schwade, became a space for reflection on historical memory, the defense of indigenous peoples, and the Church’s commitment to justice and the care of our Common Home. The book draws on more than six decades of experience working alongside indigenous peoples and offers a valuable contribution to understanding the development of contemporary indigenism in Brazil.
The launch event took place on July 7 at the Sebrae Auditorium in Presidente Figueiredo (Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil), with the participation of representatives from the Church, indigenous organizations, academic institutions, and pastoral workers. The Northern Region 1 of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) was represented by Bishop Zenildo Lima, auxiliary bishop of Manaus.
On this occasion, Cardinal Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, Metropolitan Archbishop of Manaus, president of the CNBB’s Northern Region 1, and president of CEAMA, sent a message of recognition and gratitude to Egydio Schwade for his life dedicated to supporting indigenous peoples and for his contribution to preserving the memory of their struggles. His message highlighted the importance of preserving this memory as a way to strengthen the commitment to the dignity of the Amazonian peoples and the defense of their rights.
A Testimony of More Than Sixty Years of Commitment
Published by Alexa Cultural, the book brings together memoirs, reflections, and analyses that trace Schwade’s career as one of the leading figures in Brazilian indigenism. Drawing on his experience, the book documents decisive moments in the consolidation of a model of close accompaniment to indigenous peoples, deeply marked by dialogue, respect, and the defense of their rights.
The texts address the renewal of indigenism in Brazil, the relationship between the Catholic Church and indigenous peoples, the emergence of the indigenous movement and organizations supporting indigenous peoples, as well as the social, cultural, and environmental consequences resulting from large-scale development projects implemented in the Amazon.
The publication also analyzes the tensions between public policies and the realities of Amazonian communities, highlighting processes of environmental degradation, social exclusion, and cultural loss that have marked different moments in the country’s recent history.
As the author himself notes, the book stems from the conviction that preserving the memory of these struggles strengthens hope and inspires new generations to defend the lives, territories, and rights of indigenous peoples.
A Leading Figure in Brazilian Indigenous Activism
The book serves as a historical record of the development of policies and initiatives to defend indigenous peoples in Brazil. Through his memoirs, Egydio Schwade offers a unique perspective on the creation of institutions and movements that continue to this day to promote the territorial, cultural, and human rights of indigenous peoples.
Recently honored with an honorary doctorate by the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) and the State University of Amazonas (UEA), Schwade helped found organizations that have shaped the history of Brazilian indigenism, including Operation Native Amazon (OPAN), the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), the Movement in Support of the Waimiri-Atroari Resistance (MAREWA), the Urubuí House of Culture (CACUI), and the Amazonas State Committee for the Right to Truth, Memory, and Justice.
Her career has been closely linked to the defense of the Waimiri-Atroari people, making her a national leader in documenting human rights violations and promoting solidarity and resistance alongside the indigenous peoples of the Amazon.
Memory to Build the Future
During the launch, a preview of the documentary *El Silencio de los Kiña* was also presented. This production explores the memories and traumas experienced by the Waimiri-Atroari people during their initial contact with non-indigenous society. The documentary complements the spirit of the publication by helping to preserve historical memory and shed light on the consequences of the violence suffered by indigenous peoples.