Voices. EP#16. Prejudice and Appreciation - Walê Fulni-ô Part III - Jacildo Ribeiro
Jacildo Ribeiro de Araújo, known as an "Indio Furioso," is the leader of a cultural Indigenous group living in the Funil village, where he shares his home with his family, including grandparents, parents, and siblings. He completed his elementary education at the Marechal Rondon school in the village. Jacildo works as an artisan, creating Indigenous crafts, and is also employed by the municipal government, where he engages in social work through the social action department. His efforts focus on teaching local children about Indigenous culture, language, and crafts. Jacildo highlights the challenges of prejudice from some urban residents, leading to occasional small conflicts. However, he notes that attitudes have been changing positively over time, as he and his community have made efforts to communicate and educate others about their culture and history, moving beyond outdated stereotypes. He actively works to correct misconceptions about Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the importance of teaching future generations about the realities of Indigenous life, including the struggles surrounding land rights, education, and health care. He expresses a desire for non-Indigenous people to engage respectfully and avoid using derogatory terms, such as suggesting that Indigenous people are lazy or uninterested in work. Furthermore, he emphasizes the sensitivity around personal and cultural beliefs, asserting that outsiders should refrain from prying into their religious practices or personal matters. This account is part of a broader collection documenting Indigenous cultures in Brazil and was shared with UFOP educational radio in 2018.