Support the Indigenous Peoples of the Xingu During Quarantine

Help with the distribution of medicine, hygiene products and supplies to the Xingu Indigenous Park.

COVID-19 has reached the Xingu Indigenous Territory and is spreading rapidly through villages. Indigenous peoples are especially vulnerable as they have lower immunity to the viruses, have a collective traditional way of life which makes it difficult to isolate any infected people, and have spare access to health services and hospitals. The pandemic presents a special risk to the elders, who are the guardians of the knowledge and traditions of their peoples. Entire cultures are at risk. In addition, the quarantine of the peoples of the Xingu, due to the closure of their borders, is causing shortages of food, medicine, and other items necessary for the survival of these diverse communities.

To support these peoples, BEI Institute in partnership with Fundação Tide Setúbal, brought together photographers Renato Soares, Milton Guran, Rogério Reis, Sérgio Ranalli, Delfim Martins, and Rafael Costa, who have provided their photographs from the Xingu Indigenous Territory as a reward for donations. BEI Editora also donated a series of books from their catalog.

The amount collected from these purchases will go directly to the Association for the Indigenous Territory of the Xingu (ATIX), who will distribute medicine and hygiene products to the different communities residing in the Xingu Territory in order to avoid the spread of disease and reduce the need for trips into the city. Non-perishable food items and fishing nets will also be distributed to communities who are experiencing shortages. All hygiene and prevention measures will be taken during distribution.

The Xingu Indigenous Park was the first indigenous land approved by the federal government in 1961. It is located in the northeastern region of the State of Mato Grosso in the southern portion of the Brazilian Amazon and is home to more than 6,000 inhabitants of 16 different ethnic groups.