The Heartbeat of Paranapu?: The Guarani People of S?o Vicente

My visit to Santos, Brazil, for the Climate Narratives Lab took me on an unforgettable journey to Paranapu?, home to the resilient and culturally rich Guarani people. This vibrant community, established over the past 20 years, consists of 23 families with nearly 80 members, most of whom are youth. Traditionally nomadic, the Guarani have made Paranapu? their home for two decades and have recently started formal conversations to secure land ownership.

At the heart of their settlement stands the prayer house, the first structure they build when occupying new land. This sacred space symbolizes their deep-rooted religion, unity, and development, serving as both a sanctuary and a place for intense focus. Leadership within the community is held by the Kasiki, the political leader and spokesperson, supported by the community warrior.

Despite their enduring presence, the Guarani are still striving for full land ownership, working to build relationships with federal indigenous bodies. Their main struggle is to preserve their culture, traditions, and environmental education while securing their rights to the land and freedom of religion. They aim to share their history and ongoing struggles to gain wider support for their cause.

The Guarani lifestyle emphasizes conservation and harmony with nature. They believe human actions have exacerbated climate changes, noting the diminishing distinctions between summer and winter. Indigenous crafts, including earrings, hand fans, musical instruments, and household items, are their primary source of livelihood, with plans to engage in agriculture soon. They sell their crafts and receive food donations to sustain their community.

The Guarani value peace, dialogue, and the preservation of their identity. They adapt to changing circumstances but remain steadfast in maintaining their cultural integrity. Their connection to nature is profound, influencing their decision to migrate only when guided by spiritual signs. The Guarani of Paranapu? continue to keep their culture alive, hoping for better days while advocating for their land rights and cultural preservation.

In our engagement, I was struck by how their movements to restore the environment and create shelter are not only acts of survival but also powerful statements of climate mobility. The Guarani embody a civilization that lives to save the planet, showing us that their way of life is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment. Their voices need to be raised higher to preserve these indigenous people, their culture, and heritage. By sharing their story, we can honor their wisdom and resilience, recognizing them as vital allies in the global fight against climate change.

During our visit, we also had the opportunity to engage in a cultural exchange. We shared basic greetings in Hausa and Yoruba with the Guarani people, fostering a mutual appreciation and understanding of our diverse cultural backgrounds. This exchange of languages and traditions underscored the universal values of respect, unity, and the sharing of knowledge.

The Guarani people of Paranapu? are a testament to the strength and resilience of indigenous communities. Through their unwavering dedication to their heritage and the land, they continue to inspire and educate, advocating for a future where their culture and traditions are not just preserved but celebrated.

Thank you Surge Africa Org and Instituto Procomum for creating such an atmosphere and an oppurtunity to learn from the struggles of these indigenous Guarani people.