Association of the Medium Black River Indigenous Communities – ACIMRN

Established in 1994, the association has the mission of defending the collective rights of indigenous peoples protected by the 1998 Federal Constitution. It encourages cultural revival, revitalization of traditional medicine and sustainable development of indigenous communities in search of autonomy and self determination of indigenous peoples in the region of Medium Black River and tributaries.

Since its founding, the association develops projects on social organization and productive activities and seeks partnerships among other institutions which fight for social and indigenous causes. ACIMRN is affiliated to FOIRN – Federation of Medium Black River Indigenous Organizations and COIAB – Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon and is part of the Black River Network.

During the demarcation of indigenous lands in the Medium Black River I, II and Téa River, in partnership with FOIRN, the project ‘Demarcation Follow-up’ was designed. It is supported by PPTAL – Integrated Project for the Protection of Indigenous Peoples and Lands in the Legal Amazon, developed by Funai – National Indian Foundation. Coordinated actions for the demarcation of lands that have not yet been demarcated are underway, and conflicts are constant.

According to the group, for over more than two centuries the historical experience of Black River indigenous peoples with colonization programs – catechesis, militarization and ‘civilization’ by the work in the extractive industry – as well as the dynamics of migration and contemporary urbanization, have placed the question of cultural identity in the center of local debates.

The arrival to the Medium Black River region of entrepreneurs from the Eco Tourism Industry, Sport Fishing, extractors of gravel in the bed of the Black River, hunters and fishermen of ornamental or commercial fish has been affecting the demarcated indigenous lands, particularly those which are in the process of demarcation in the municipality of Santa Isabel do Rio Negro. The scenario reflects the disrespect for the rights of indigenous peoples, with direct consequences on the escape of fish and game animals, creating food shortages.

The Traditional Agricultural System of Black River is Brazilian Cultural Heritage.

The Project

The project, supported by Brazil Fund, aims at strengthening surveillance actions, investing on empowering and raising awareness of leaders and residents of strategic spots, always renewing the signposts and acquiring new communication and transportation equipment. The idea is to strengthen the autonomy, rights and interests of indigenous peoples and the environmental preservation and territorial integrity.

Surveillance will be carried out through trips to the communities, with the establishment and maintenance of radios, besides the conducting of a workshop on Indigenous and Environmental Rights and the making of shirts, caps and brochures for distribution.

The association intends to work on the demarcated indigenous lands of TI Uneiuxi: Roçado and Terra Comprida; TI Rio Téa: Areial and Maricota; and on those in the process of demarcation – São Francisco, Acariquara, Monte Alegre, Matozinho, Nazaré do Uneiuxi and Tabocal do Uneiuxi. Around 150 indigenous families will be benefited.