The Apiaká are a courageous people who inhabited the southern region of the Amazon in the 19th century, when rubber exploitation arrived in the region. They faced challenges and conflicts with the colonisers, but ended up becoming allies. At the same time, they maintained their warrior traditions by fighting battles with other indigenous peoples in the region.
Although they were considered extinct for a time, the Apiaká never stopped seeing themselves as a distinct and unique people. Even in the face of massacres, epidemics and government abandonment, they resisted as a collective and kept their ancestral culture alive. Today, the Apiaká are fighting for a fairer future.
The word ‘Apiaká’ comes from the Tupi word ‘apiaba’, which means ‘person’, ‘people’ or ‘man’. For the Apiaká chiefs, the name of their people also refers to a ferocious marimbondo, which travels long distances to take revenge on its aggressors with a painful sting.
The Apiaká community is admirable! Moral principles such as generosity, pacifism and hospitality are fundamental. Their villages are beautiful, happy and peaceful, with schools, health centres, community halls, football pitches and much more. They value co-operation and are proud of their diversified gardens, where they grow pineapple, pumpkin, peanuts, bananas, sweet potatoes, cashews, sugar cane and many other delicious foods!
Fishing, hunting and gathering are essential subsistence activities in Apiaká villages. They have a deep connection with nature and believe that a full person is one who follows the parameters established for each age and gender.
Let's celebrate the cultural richness of the Apiaká, their resilience and their fight for justice! Valuing diversity and preserving traditions is essential if we are to build a better world.
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