The Paresi Indians who live in the state of Mato Grosso, in the
Center-West region of Brazil, may be evicted from the Esta<a~o Rondon
Indian Area, one of their traditional territories. The eviction was
determined by a federal court, as a result of an action of trespass
filed by two farmers. In order to execute the decision, judge Joa~o
Ferreira Filho requested two-hundred "duly armed and munitioned" soldiers
to the Military Police. About 40 Paresi live in the area. The removal
of the Indians was to take place until April 19, but the judge postponed
the eviction for sixty days.
The Paresi say that they will not leave their lands and threaten
to burn bridges and block roads if the decision is not reviewed. The
farmers who claimed ownership of the Indian territory arrived in the
region in 1975, while records show that the Paresi have been living
there since 1907. One of the farmers went so far as to build the main
house of the farm 100 meters from a village. The conflict was aggravated
in February of this year, when Indians seized agricultural equipment
belonging to the invaders.
The opinion of other countries could help to ensure the review of
the decision. Letters and cables can be sent to the judge in the
following terms: "We know that the Paresi Indians who live in the
Esta<a~o Rondon Indian Area are threatened with eviction. Considering the
traditional presence of the community in the area and the right to the
land ensured by the Brazilian Constitution, we request the annulment
of the preliminary order determining the eviction of the Indians in
favor of the farmers, as if the invaders were the Paresi community
that inhabits that territory. The implementation of the measure
would be another act of aggression against Indian peoples in Brazil."
The letters are to be sent to the following address:
Exmo. Senhor Juiz da 3a. Vara da Justi<a Federal
Rubem Martinez Cunha
Praga Bispo Dom Jose', 17
78010-230 - Cuiaba' - MT - Brazil
Brasi'lia, April 21st, 1994
CIMI - Indianist Missionary Council