Brazil’s Indigenous MPs build bridges on climate action

On Tuesday, 7 April, Célia Xakriabá, a federal MP representing Brazil's Indigenous community, commences her day in the Chamber of Deputies in the nation's capital, Brasília. Adorned with a headdress of white feathers and her face painted with urucum, a natural dye, Xakriabá arrives at the chamber for the formal session commemorating the 22nd Acampamento Terra Livre (ATL; Free Land Camp), the country's largest annual Indigenous gathering.

As she walks through the office corridors, she encounters several visitors, including Indigenous leaders and politicians, all of whom offer their congratulations and request photographs.

Xakriabá, one of 178 Indigenous candidates who participated in the 2022 elections, is a member of the so-called cocar (feather headdress) caucus. The group champions Indigenous concerns, particularly advocating for land demarcation and other pro-environmental policies. However, they face tremendous opposition from the powerful ruralist bloc, which includes around 60% of the 513 federal deputies and is aligned with agribusiness interests.

This bloc frequently obstructs legislation concerning Indigenous peoples and impedes Brazil's progress towards its climate targets, according to Adriana Ramos, executive secretary of the Socioenvironmental Institute, an NGO.

Undeterred by these daunting circumstances, Xakriabá and her colleagues continue to push for Indigenous and environmental causes. Since her inauguration in January 2023, Xakriabá has proposed 83 bills, only three of which have been enacted, focusing on issues such as protecting Indigenous women from violence, preventing discrimination against pregnant women, and improving rural education.

While Xakriabá is conscious of her role as an Indigenous representative, she aims to transcend the stereotypical and romanticized perception often associated with Indigenous politicians. Collaborating with politicians from opposing parties, such as Joenia Wapichana, a fellow Indigenous MP, she seeks to draft legislation that respects Indigenous rights yet has a chance of passing.