29. Assimilated: Standing Up for Indigenous Rights is Everyone’s Fight

Finding Humanity

Until the late 20th century, assimilation was the Brazilian government’s official indigenous policy. Native inhabitants were sometimes driven out of their communities and flown by plane to distant locations where they were dropped off; meanwhile, outsiders seized their land. In some cases, assimilation turned into extermination.

There are 370 million Indigenous people around the world. Although these groups are incredibly diverse, their human rights struggle is similar, no matter where they are.

In this episode, we unravel the ways in which “modernization” and “development” trample on the rights of indigenous people. We’ll learn about forced assimilation and practices of colonial-settlers that included ‘modern’ education, land theft, and physical violence. On the podcast, we share the story of Daiara Figueiroa-Tukano an indigenous activist and visual artist whose family and people endured a legacy of abuse and discrimination.

Featuring policy and advocacy insights from experts: Michael Heckenberger, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Florida, and Kristen Carpenter, Professor of Law, at University of Colorado Law School.

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Finding Humanity is a production of Humanity Lab Foundation and Hueman Group Media.

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