In the mid-1980’s reports of the increasing destruction of the Amazon Rain Forest alarmed people around the world. In 1992, following an initiative by the German government, the leading industrial nations initiated PP-G7, a pilot program to conserve 160 territories of the Brazilian Rain Forest.

Funds contributed by the G7 enable Brazilian Indian tribes to mark and preserve their own territories. In return, the Brazilian government agrees to prohibit non-indigenous people from entering without a special permit; keeping out loggers, gold-diggers, and any enterprises that destroy and deplete the rainforest. As Indian tribes traditionally harvest and use only what is necessary for their survival, they thereby preserve the Brazilian rainforest’s biodiversity.

Among the 160 Brazilian Rain Forest territories is the Waiapi reservation, located in Northeast Amazonia. It is inhabited by 400 people and stretches across 6,070 square kilometers. Prior to the effect of the PP-G7, survival of the Waiapi Indians was threatened; they were deprived of all rights and even killed by loggers and gold diggers. With the security of the program, they have now become the guardians of their own reservation and are able adapt to Western influences at their own pace.

Kumare, chief of the Waiapi, listens attentively. A yellow plastic comb and the red loincloth are some of the visible influences from western culture. Ari, Brazil

Aerial view of the Amazon Rainforest near Nova Olinda between the Rio Madera and Rio Canuma rivers. Nova Olinda, Brazil

A young Indian girl proudly paints her toenails in public. Avon products are among the few luxury items accessible in the smaller communities around the Rio Cunuma. Kwata, Brazil

A mother washes her baby in the Rio Canuma while the older kids play in a dugout canoe. Kwata, Brazil

In the village of Niteroi in Kwata-Laranjal, a woman prepares the altar of a makeshift church for a ceremony honoring the patron of the village. Many of the Munduruku have converted to Christianity. Niteroi, Brazil

The small river is a center of life in the village of Hopoku. It is used not only as drinking water and for cooking with, but also provides for a refreshing cleanse at day's end. Hopoku, Brazil

Paroripa, the village chief's wife, wipes her face after a feast. She wears the traditional 10 meter long Waiapi necklace made of approximately 4,000 beads. Aramira, Brazil

Hogwash: A boy tenderly takes his pet, a domesticated wild boar, for its daily cleansing swim in the Rio Canuma. Kwata, Brazil

Using a wooden spatula, a Waiapixana worker dries the locally-grown cassava grain (maniok) over a large, heated pan. The cassava will later be sold at a nearby market. Moskow, Brazil

Western cultural influences dominate the "Disco Night" in Niteroi, as two young Indian girls slow dance to the sound of music, blasting from a simple set of speakers. Niteroi, Brazil

A doctor administers medical treatment and dental care to patients of all ages at the Aramira infirmary. Here an infant is treated as the baby's mother looks on. Aramira, Brazil

Watching the moonrise from a boat on the Rio Canuma near Niteroi in Kwata-Laranjal. Niteroi, Brazil

Stories

Brazilian Indians