Help the Pataxó Indigenous People

The Pataxó Indigenous people in Brazil ask for your help combating COVID-19.

The Pataxó (pronounced: pa-ta-SHAW) are one of the few Indigenous peoples who survived the genocidal massacre by the Portuguese during colonial times. Fighting for their survival since 1500, now the Pataxó are suffering the inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while combating systemic racism and oppression promoted by the government of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Indigenous People are disproportionately vulnerable to novel infectious diseases. The Pataxó people earn their living through fishing and craftwork. Because their source of income depends on tourism and cooperative work, families practicing social isolation are struggling for survival, food security, and access to cleaning supplies. The funds of this campaign will be used to support Pataxó families, for the purchase of food and basic hygiene products such as soap, bleach, and hand sanitizer.

The Associação de Jovens Indígenas Pataxó (AJIP, Pataxó Indigenous Youth Association) was funded in 2018 to combat the social and environmental injustices of the Bolsonaro government. This youth organization supports their Indigenous leaders, promotes connection among Indigenous communities, organizes cultural events, preserves Indigenous cultural heritage, and advocates for environment protection. AJIP serves seven Pataxó communities, about 1500 people.

This campaign will be managed by international volunteers in Canada, and 100% of the proceeds will be transferred to the Pataxó Indigenous People Youth Organization. The funds will be used by the Pataxó people to combat COVID-19.

More information:

Twitter and Instagram or @ajipoficial in all platforms for content in Portuguese.

Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about Pataxó culture (captions in English available):