Arassari Pataxó is a leader, teacher and spokesperson of the Pataxó People from the Barra Velha Territory in the state of Bahia, Brazil. He defines himself as “a warrior who fights for respect and for the rights of Indigenous peoples in Brazil.” He coordinates the pedagogical project “Indigenous Day is Every Day” and through his vision and leadership, Arassari strives to open the world’s eyes to the importance of keeping Indigenous peoples on their land, showing how they respect and live with it. The Pataxós are the ninth most populous indigenous people in Brazil, with more than 23,000 individuals divided into many villages located in three different states. He has a degree in Law from the Estácio de Sá University in Rio de Janeiro.

Moderators:

Simone Athayde, Associate Professor, Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center and Department of Global & Sociocultural Studies

Mitzi Uehara Carter, Director, Global Indigenous Forum