Voices. EP#03. Puri People, Memory and Resistance - Part III - Aline Pachamama
Aline Rochedo Pachamama, a representative of the Puri people from Mantiqueira, begins her speech with warm greetings, acknowledging her ancestral roots and the significance of the name "Abdala," which means “the land that pulses” and refers to the pre-colonization name of their continent. During her speech, she recounts a dream in which she is playing two heavy maracas, representing the weight of her heritage and struggles, alongside a spirit or ancestor who helps her to sing and connect with the rhythm and spirit of the land. She emphasizes that the day dedicated to women's struggles should not be merely a celebration but a moment to remember and honor the dignity and honor of past struggles, particularly those of Indigenous women, Black women, Romani women, as well as vulnerable women in a capitalist and patriarchal society. Aline reflects on the historical oppression faced by these groups, drawing attention to the deep-rooted issues of colonization and the importance of acknowledging their histories and experiences. She calls for unity and recognition of the strength of women, embodied in nature and the earth, and honors her ancestors and grandmothers, urging the audience to understand and resist ongoing colonial legacies. The presentation underscores the vital connection to heritage and the collective strength of women to transform their narratives and fight against oppression, culminating in a call to action for social change inspired by ancestral wisdom. The speech is part of a broader educational initiative at the Federal University of Ouro Preto, directed by Gláucio Santos and others.