Reflections on the Mbya- Guarani peculiarities in identification processes of indigenous lands based on cases of Itapuã, Morro do Coco and Ponta da Formiga, Brazil

Abstract

As part of their culture, the Guarani-Mbyá are characterized by constant mobility. “Moving";, as practiced since immemorial time, unfolds on a vast geographical area, recognized as the Mbya-Guarani world, which includes considerable portions of the territories of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. For outsiders, this constant mobility across international borders is not adequate for the recognition of indigenous lands. This article discusses the inconsistencies between the legislation and the specificities of Mbya-Guarani culture in the implementation of the original rights. We build on ethnological studies undertaken by some members of the Technical Group constituted by FUNAI, responsible for the identification and demarcation of the indigenous lands Itapuã, Morro do Coco and Ponta da Formiga, located in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre (RS-Brazil). The aim is to point out the ways by which the Mbya-Guarani displacements are harmed by the existence of international borders and the lack of dialogue between the agencies for indigenous matters of different countries.Key words: mobility, indigenous lands, mbyá-guarani.