Sônia Guajajara is Brazil's First Indigenous Woman Chief in a Key Post.
Sônia Guajajara, an indigenous women chief, has been appointed to lead a new Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, with plans to oversee policies from land demarcation to health care.
By Erin Pedersen
A First For Brazil.
Brazil’s President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on Thursday that Sônia Guajajara will lead a new Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, with a mandate to oversee policies ranging from land demarcation to health care.
Who Is Sonia Guajajara?
Sonia Guajajara is a Brazilian indigenous activist, environmentalist, politician and a member of the Amazon Guajajara. She is the leader of the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB). Guajajara was elected to Congress in October 2022. This year, she made Time Magazine’s annual list of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Guajajara’s Post Marks Big Change.
The appointment of Guajajara to such a post signifies a 180-degree turn from Brazil’s current government. Outgoing president Jair Bolsonaro is an opponent of Indigenous rights and land with a record of racist statements.
“This is more than a personal achievement. It is a collective achievement of the Indigenous peoples, a historic moment of reparation in Brazil.“
–Sônia Guajajara
Brazilian indigenous activist, environmentalist, and politician
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