AVÁ-CANOEIRO: guardians of the North Goiano Cerrado

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present how the indigenous group Avá-Canoeiro is inserted in the Northern Goias Cerrado and the importance of their territory, an area of 38,000 hectares, what makes them the "Guardians of the Cerrado”. Taking into account that the use and occupation of the Cerrado occurred through the modernization of the capital within distinct and heterogeneous time and space, the northern region has been a great holder of biodiversity. The indigenous peoples have knowledge and methods of use of the biome that do not compromise its natural assets in contrast to the capitalist economic activities. In the specific case of Avá-Canoeiro, they have an ecological culture and perception of non-accumulation; this fact, combined with the vastness of their land and small population, contributes to the preservation of the biodiversity. Would the Avá-Canoeiro have 38,000 hectares if their land was located in the southern or southwest part of Goias? For this investigation, literature review and field work were done. The results were based on two factors: first, the ecological culture of the Avá-Canoeiro; second, the fact that their territory is situated in the northern part of Goias. These two aspects contribute for the protection of the biodiversity, but they do not ward off it from other impacting activities such as the hydro business and mining.