Indigenous, quilombola diplomats to join Brazil’s Foreign Service

Indigenous diplomats Marcelo Kariri Menezes and Idjahure Terena were sworn in on November 4, 2023, at Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brasília. This marked the first time in Brazilian history that indigenous representatives joined the country's diplomatic corps. Before their assignments, both will join the 2026-2028 class of the Diplomatic Training Program at the Rio Branco Institute.

The class includes nearly half underrepresented groups in Brazilian diplomacy, such as 17 Black students, seven students with disabilities, and one Quilombola student, along with the two indigenous diplomats. Acting Foreign Minister Maria Laura da Rocha emphasized the significance of diversity in Brazil's diplomatic corps, stating that it represents resistance against threats to democracy and the rights enshrined in the 1988 Constitution.

The swearing-in ceremony highlighted the ministry's efforts to promote diversity, including expanding the Scholarship Program for Diplomatic Careers to benefit black candidates, low-income women, indigenous people, and individuals with disabilities. Eloy Terena, the Minister of Indigenous Peoples, noted that the inclusion of indigenous leaders in technical positions signifies the realization of the concept "Bringing the State to indigenous Communities."

Indigenous intellectual Ailton Krenak attended the ceremony as its guest of honor, emphasizing the symbolic importance of indigenous families and children breaking through the institution's coldness.