By Nathalie (Ha-Na) GROLIMUND
Watatakalu Yawalapiti: A Lifetime of Activism in the Amazon Rainforest
In May of this year, in Geneva, Switzerland, a powerful and enlightening talk took center stage, bringing together the passionate voices of Indigenous leaders committed to preserving the Amazon rainforest and advocating for the rights of its native people. This event was a collaborative effort hosted by Addict Lab, organized by Equestrio Foundation and The Rethink Hub for AFV Rainforest Organization. AFV is a French and Brazilian non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the Amazon Forest and its Indigenous people by creating awareness and implementing projects in the Xingu region in Brazil. At the heart of this event were two extraordinary figures: Watatakalu Yawalapiti and Indigenous Chief Tapi Yawalapiti, who had embarked on the AFV European tour for Indigenous Chief Raoni to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities. This tour was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indigenous people who call the Amazon their home. Meet Watatakalu Yawalapiti Watatakalu Yawalapiti, 42 years old, is a remarkable individual who has emerged as a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and women’s empowerment in Brazil. She represents Indigenous women in the vast territory of Xingu, an area that encompasses the largest protected Indigenous reserve in Brazil, housing sixteen distinct Indigenous
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communities. Watatakalu’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to protecting the Amazon and preserving the unique cultures of its native peoples. From her early years, Watatakalu was immersed in the world of activism, drawing inspiration from her family. Her father, a former village chief and a member of the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI), played a pivotal role in shaping her path. He instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility to safeguard the Amazon, which he referred to as an “open-air supermarket” that provides for its inhabitants, but only on the condition that it is cherished and protected. Watatakalu’s introduction to activism came at a tender age when she participated in the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. At just 11 years old, she recognized the importance of Indigenous voices in a world predominantly dominated by white men. She understood the necessity of defending the uniqueness of Indigenous cultures and ensuring that someone from among them speaks for them. Her early experiences instilled in her the importance of cultural preservation and the need to maintain agency over her own identity. A significant turning point in Watatakalu’s life was her three-year confinement after her first menstruation, a traditional practice. While locked in a small room, she learned patience and developed a profound connection with her body. After facing a forced marriage, which she refused to consummate, she even-
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tually returned to her family. Her journey was one of resilience and the reclamation of her identity, much like the Watatakalu, a small fruit from the pequi family that opens before falling to the ground. Watatakalu firmly believes that the environmental and women’s rights movements are intertwined. Her mission now revolves around amplifying the voices of Indigenous women, with a particular focus on enhancing their access to education. In her culture, women are considered as vital as the trees from which they are carved in to their own Creation myth. ATIX Mulher To promote the rights of Indigenous women, Watatakalu founded the organization ATIX, dedicated to including women in the struggle for Indigenous rights. She also played a crucial role in the creation of a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, led by a woman. Some even see her as a potential successor to the great Chief Raoni. However, Watatakalu, while honored by the notion, believes that there is only one Raoni on Earth, and he is indestructible. ATIX Mulher, the female branch of the Indigenous Women’s Movement of the Xingu Indigenous Reservation Association, has been instrumental in securing food and essential supplies for the 16 ethnic groups residing in the Xingu Indigenous Reservation, particularly during the challenging times of the
