Update From the Amazon: Dam Workers In Solidarity With Protestors
The indigenous protest of the Belo Monte Dam site is still underway, despite the government kicking out journalists and making it difficult for the occupiers to access food and medical care. They have been documenting the occupation themselves through both a blog and a Flickr account.
One of the most inspiring things that my colleague Brent shared with me is that workers at the dam site literally applauded when the protestors took over the site. Here are photos from the occupation, including images of the workers showing their solidarity with the indigenous protestors:
The occupation of course takes not only bodies on the ground, but money to keep supplies flowing to sustain it. Here's the English version of the fifth letter from the official occupation blog. If you have a way to make a financial donation – or have friends in Brazil who can – please do so to help keep this valiant and necessary show of Amazonian solidarity thriving.
May 8, 2013 Letter n. 5: We Need Your Support Urgently!
Today we write for those who support us. We write for those who trust in our struggle and agree with our view.
We are people who live in the rivers where dams are being built. We are Munduruku, Juruna, Kayapo, Xipaya, Kuruaya, Asurini, Parakanã, Arara, fishermen and riverine. The river is our supermarket. Our ancestors are older than Jesus Christ.
We occupied Belo Monte Dam sites seven days ago. We are against the construction of large projects that destroy our lives. We want to be able to have a dialogue with the government about this. First of all they need to regulate the law about Prior and Informed Consultation, so that they can consult us before doing any study or construction in our lands. The government also needs to stop whatever they are doing in our territory and to take the troops out of it.
We are on this occupation without any support. Even the journalists and lawyers where prohibited to assist us. It’s been 5 days that we have been taking pictures ourselves. They want to intimidate us with a huge number of officers. The National Force is the ones “negotiating” with us, and telling us that no one from the government will come. They are making it harder for us to access food or infirmary; and for outsiders to come here. We are concerned about what might happen to us.
We need help. We need the organizations to support this occupation, to write appeals on our behalf, and to stand up against the government’s posture. We need Journalists to continue talking to us, even if it is from outside or by phone. We are very happy with all the coverage. We also need the population to support us. If you can’t be closer, please send a donation by Internet or bank.
Caixa Econômica Federal – Mutirão pela Cidadania
Agencia: 0551 – Conta: 1532-7 – OP 003 – CNPJ: O1993646/0001-80
It is very important to us. Help if you can. We have high hopes this time.
