Processi di costruzione della categoria di indigeno in Brasile: prospettive di ridefinizione e di affermazione nelle arene politiche locali e nazionali

Abstract

Throughout history the “construction” of the indigenous ethnic category and the consequences that this has had on the national indigenist policies in Brazil have been redefined by a process involving the north-eastern Indios as important protagonists. Presently, their ethnic demands are part of a wider framework, which has witnessed victories by indigenous leaders in both regional and national elections. Consequently, new perspectives questioning the Brazilian paternalistic “guardianship” policies have emerged, re-defining the role of the indigenous within the political arena.