5/26/12 I can’t express in words how truly grateful I am for today. We woke up early and Marquinho took us to a place most Xukuru people don’t even get to experience: the sacred Pedra do Rei (Rock of the King). There is an alter at the base of the rock marking where the Xukuru first began the fight to take back their land; on top of the rock (more like a mountain), is another sacred alter. Up here is where one goes to hear and receive the encantadas (the spirits). As Marquinho explained it to us, Pedra do Rei is not a place where one goes to pray, or to ask for or expect anything. It is a place to just go and be – with an open mind and an open heart. This is the only way one could truly experience the special things that take place there. From up here we had the most magnificent 360* view of all the Xukuru territory. We sat down quietly and just let nature take over and run her course; the feel of the wind on my face and in my hair is something I’ll never forget for as long as I live. I can’t describe the feeling of being there or all of the emotions that seem to surge through you at once because no words would be enough. Because of the language barrier, all I could give Marquinho was a simple “thank you,” though I believe he knows how much more than that I meant by my humble expression of gratitude. -Shayla

We have been visiting several different schools, in the Xukuru territory. On Monday we helped deliver food to different schools. The food we delivered was all fresh fruit in vegetables grown organically on Xukuru land. The Xukuru people put great emphasis on their childern's education, On Tuesday we visited a larger school and got to talk with the teachers and sit in on a class. The Xukuru schools put great emphasis on teaching their children about their history and values. In the class we sat through, the teacher was explaining how important it is to work as a community and share resources such as water.She put a problem on the board asking the students to divide the number of Xukuru people by the amount of land they have, and later went on to explain how important it is to live collectively, so everyone can share the resources.

5/27/12 I must have caught the cold that has been going around the house. First the kids got it than Isabell, and now me. Although, its uncomfortable to be away from home, let alone in another country while I'm sick. The family has been wonderful about taking care of me. They have been giving me special ear-drops, that they make from local herbs, and I have been drinking Helana's lemongrass tea. It's so nice to be around a family, it reminds me of my own family. I like hearing the kids playing and running around, and the buzzing of the family getting ready for meals. As, a college student living in an off campus apartment, I often spend a lot of time by myself. This summer when I go back to Grand Forks I will be living alone. Although, I will be busy with work, and have friends in and out. I'm sure I will miss having a family around. Erin

5/25/12 The tour of the Xukuru territory today was quite the adventure. Due to the terrible conditions of the roads it felt like we were off-roading the entire time; and, since we were four-deep in the backseat of a three-seat bench, it was hours of “extra” fun. We got to have some great quality time with Cacique Marquinho and experience first-hand how he interacts with his people. Everywhere we went he was greeted with a huge smile; the amount of love his people have for him was plain as day for everybody to see. His picture was in every school we visited – one child even had his picture glued to the front of her notebook! In turn, he greeted everyone he encountered with a hug as though they were family. The relationships people have here with each other are really special. It also became even more evident how much he cares for the people around him, even if they aren't his own people, by lunchtime when he took us out to eat at a local restaurant. Knowing that we were slightly homesick for "familiar foods," he ordered fried chicken, french fries, and Coke (alongside traditional regional foods, of course). While each of these were slightly different in taste than those found at home, everything was still delicious and it totally hit the spot - we went through two liters of Coke! It was a real treat.

I haven’t met one person on this adventure yet that I haven’t cared for. The people are so generous and accepting of us, even though we aren’t Xukuru. Today while we were touring a man’s garden, he offered each of us our own coconut so we could have fresh coconut water – complete with straw! It was just one example of the kindness that seems to flow freely from everybody here. We haven’t been made to feel like outsiders by anybody we’ve encountered, and I can already tell I’m going to miss this place terribly when the time comes for us to leave. Shayla

5-25-12: After our tour today, the Cacique brought our group to a small restaurant in Pesqueira where he ordered a large meal for us. He was sure to include "batatas fritas" (French Fries) and multiple large glass bottles of Coca-Cola along with the local cuisine for his American guests. While attempting to read the menu in Portuguese, I realized that the first meals offered were large, communal meals - like the one the Cacique had ordered for us - and that ordering an individual meal was not the norm due to its placement further back on the menu. This is one of the major differences from American culture that I have noticed. Everyone in the Xukuru territory seems to do everything together or for the good of each other, and that meals are always shared and are comparable to social event. am told that this is because their society more closely relates to a sociocentric society while a majority of American society is based on the individual, instead of the collective.

Overall the afternoon was a memorable one with good food, intriguing conversation, and great new friends. - Beth

Today is Friday, May 25th and my students, Lee (from Global Citizens Network), and I spent the day with Cacique Marquinho, who woke us up early to show us the total perimeter of the Xukuru lands. Helena had coffee, French bread, butter, and fruits for us to eat for breakfast. We began our tour in the Aldeia (village of Santana where Marquinho lives) and drove to the following aldais: Corodantas, Coral de Boi, Cimbres, Jatoba, Coral Velheo, Passagem, Calderao, Pao de Acuca, Pe de Serra dos Nogeira, Pe de Serra de Sao Sebastao, Capim de Planta, Canna Brava, and back to Santana. Cimbres is a historic city with the church Nossa Senhora das Montanhas. This church was central to the attempted assassination of Cacique Marcos Xukuru because it has been part of an ongoing battle between local politicians, businessmen, and a small number of Xukuru. This is another story, which I'll tell later. The total tour took us approximately six hours. As we passed through each aldeia, Marquinho stopped and talked to everyone we passed, usually because everyone has some kind of problem or issue they needed to talk to him about. That gave us an opportunity to meet many local people, learn about the issues that needed attention in each aldaia, and to get out of the car and walk around or take pictures. I'm posting photos of our tour with this short post. The Xukuru territory is large, but today there almost 12,000 Xukuru living on 27,555 kilometers. There is a growing need to expand the territory that they currently have. On our tour we saw how the Xukuru are developing various agro-petrol projects for alternative combustible fuels. The Brazilian government is interested in developing a variety of new types of fuel for cars and trucks and for industrial use that includes a plant called 'mamona'. They already have an enormous production of fuel made of sugar cane that is the major type of fuel for Rio de Janeiro and a variety of other urban centers. This is the 'mamona' plant:

The spiny balls at the top of the 'mamona' plant is used to make fuel for cars. This is the fruit called graviola:

When you break open the fruit it is white, with seed packets that are sweet and juicy. The packets have a shiny, black seed that can be used to make jewelry. In the area of Calderao, a large project is underway to transform the land. Most of the Xukuru lands were denuded due to cattle ranching and over the last 11 years they have been reforesting the land with native plants and with fruit trees and types of vegetables that grow well in this area and that don't rob the soil of it nutrients. in Calderao (in the Rebiera, and area that has enough water to plant and grow crops) they are planting many fruit trees (papaya, bannana, goiaba, graviola), lettuce, carrots, onions, beans, corn, cilantro, and coconut trees. This area is a model project for this area of the Xukuru land. There are three regions with three different climates: Serra (wet), Rebiera (less water than the Serra, but enough to do successful agriculture), and finally Agreste (dry - grow food for cattle that is called "palma" and is a kind of cactus). Each climate zone must be understood in terms of the types of vegetation that naturally and historically grow there, and in terms of future plans that seek to increase production while also protecting the soil through the use of sustainable organic agriculture. The Xukuru are working to increase their production while maintaining their collective way of life which includes making decisions about all aspects of their community life. The foundation from which all decisions are made is the fundamental knowledge and acknowledgement that the earth is sacred and that life depends on an interdependence between the natural cycles of nature, the interrelationship between humans, animals, plants, and the environment, and an unwavering respect for nature. My students will be writing about their experiences today and are also including photos that they took on our trip. ---------------------------------ERIN: 5/25/2012 Today Cacique Marcos took us on tour of the Xukuru territory. On the tour you could see how charismatic, kind, and reliable he is. As we went on our tour Cacique would stop to talk to people, he seemed to know everyone and treat everyone like a family member, because the Xukuru people are like a family they take care of each other and share there resources as well as talents with everyone in the community.

I also found it very interesting how the territory is able to communicate, the territory is very large and the road are very poor making it hard to get around. Some of the villages only have one telephone. People use word of mouth or travailing nurses to help communicate.

This is the Formal Letter from the 12th Assembly of the Xukuru People - Originally Posted on the web page of CIMI (The Catholic Indigenous Missionary - link provided below) This letter outlines the organized and collectively identified mission and goals of the Xukuru for the coming year (2012 - 2013) and summarizes the issues discussed at this year's assembly. Xukuru People of Ororubá conduct assembly with focus on agriculture through Living Well Original posting CIMI: http://www.cimi.org.br/site/pt-br/?system=news&conteudo_id=6285&action=read Translation by Meg Kidd - Sent to us by Meg on May 25, 2012: For a militant agriculture through for Living Well, which breaks with the colonized perspectiveof utilization of Mother Earth, the Xukuru of Ororubá held between Thursday May 17th and Sunday 20th , the XII Assembly of the people with the traditional warrior descent from the Sierra Ororubá toward Pesqueira, Pernambuco, symbol and memory of the struggle of the Xukuru people for occupation of the territory. At the end of the encounter, the indigenous people wrote a letter with the main points discussed in the four-day meeting. Read in full: Letter from the XII Assembly of the Xukuru of Ororubá We, the Xukuru People of Ororubá, men and women illuminated by the force of Sacred Nature, met in the XII Assembly, which had as theme: "Limolaigo Toípe - Land of the Ancestors: Xukuru Agriculture practicing Living Well", from May 17 to 20, 2012 in the village of Capim de Planta, with representatives of the villages: Pão de Açucar, Pé de Serra, Cana Brava, Brejinho, Afetos, Caípe, Caetano, Couro Dantas, Oiti, Caldeirão, Capim de Planta, Lagoa, Cimbres, Sucupira, Guarda Jatobá, Pedra d`água, Curral Velho, São José, Gitó, Mascarenhas, Santana, Passagem e Cajueiro; in addition to partners and allies of our people, among them: the Potiguara People, Truká People, Xukuru Kariri People, Wassu Cocal People, Kapinawá People, Kambiwá People, CIMI, APOINME, la Quilombo Community la Negros do Osso,, SESAI, SECRETARIAT OF AGRICULTURE, SAF / MDA, SEDUC, IPA, CONSEA / PE, ADAGRO, State Secretariat for Women, the State Secretariat of Education, SEAF, Movemento Mangue- Crew, Movemento Pé no Chão, Rede Reflectação, Centro Josué de Castro, CDAPP and DIOCESE DE PESQUEIRA. Concerned with the dwelling of our Ancestors, and our relationship with Mother Earth, we reflect on the type of agriculture that we desire. Observing the current practices and uses in our territory, we identify and reflect on the elements that might make fragile and those that can strengthen the Project for the Future of our people. Recuperating the memory of other assemblies, we verified that concern for Mother Earth has always been present. In this meeting, we deepen the debate to ensure our autonomy in syntony with the principles of Good Living and of Sacred Nature. Thus, we believe that Xukuru Agriculture has as principles: • Respect for Mother Earth; • Ensure the collective usufruct of the Xukuru territory and the free Earth; • To attend to the basic necessities of the family and not the accumulation of wealth in the hands of the few; • The consciousness of care and concern, and not of exploitation of nature ensuring our Health This consciousness has an intimate relationship with the Education of the people, valuing also learning with others in daily living; • Dialogue with Sacred Nature, for it is she who is able to give the answers for the time of planting and harvesting, and conducting tilling of the fields; having as reference the customs of our ancestors; • To esteem in equality of the conditions in access to all that nature offers us; • Not to commercialize, but to preserve, protect and care for our Mother Earth; • To recognize the mutual rights and responsibilities for the common good; • Everything must be done with autonomy and liberty, free from the production rules of the market and from government policies contrary to our project of life. We reaffirm that for us nature is sacred, is the dwelling place of our enchantments. To injure her is to commit to our own lives and those of all living beings. While we have water, earth and forest we exist and live well. For this, we have to live practices that ensure the land be free, the waters alive and the forests protected. The religion is our source of strength and wisdom. The Xukuru People are opposed to any and all governmental practice that disrespects the dignity and lives of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil. Therefore, we oppose the approval of PEC 215 and the PEC 038 and, in addition to development projects such as the PAC. And in opposition to any measure that might injure the rights of indigenous peoples, in particular Articles 231 and 232 of the Federal Constitution of 1988. That the government respect the decision of the indigenous peoples, quilombolas and traditional communities in order to have time for a broader discussion on the regulation of the consultation process as recommended by Convention 169 of the ILO. Aldeia Capim de Planta, May 19, 2012. And tell the people to go forth! *** Povo Xukuru do Ororubá realiza assembleia com foco na agricultura pelo Bem Viver Inserido por: Administrador em 23/05/2012. Fonte da notícia: Assessoria de Comunicação - Cimi http://www.cimi.org.br/site/pt-br/?system=news&conteudo_id=6285&action=read Por uma agricultura militante pelo Bem Viver, que rompa com a perspectiva colonizada de utilização da Mãe terra, o povo Xukuru do Ororubá realizou entre a última quinta-feira, 17, e domingo, 20, a XII Assembleia do povo com a guerreira e tradicional descida da Serra do Ororubá rumo ao município de Pesqueira, Pernambuco, símbolo e memória da luta do povo Xukuru pela ocupação do território. Ao final do encontro, os indígenas escreveram uma carta com os principais pontos debatidos nos quatro dias de assembleia. Leia na íntegra: Carta da XII Assembleia do povo Xukuru do Ororubá Nós, Povo Xukuru do Ororubá, iluminados e iluminadas pela força da Natureza Sagrada, nos reunimos na XII Assembleia, que teve como Tema: “Limolaigo Toípe – Terra dos Ancestrais: Agricultura Xukuru praticando o Bem Viver”, no período de 17 a 20 de maio de 2012, na aldeia Capim de Planta, com representantes das aldeias: Pão de Açucar, Pé de Serra, Cana Brava, Brejinho, Afetos, Caípe, Caetano, Couro Dantas, Oiti, Caldeirão, Capim de Planta, Lagoa, Cimbres, Sucupira, Guarda Jatobá, Pedra d`água, Curral Velho, São José, Gitó, Mascarenhas, Santana, Passagem e Cajueiro; além dos parceiros e aliados do nosso povo, dentre eles: Povo Potiguara, Povo Truká, Povo Xukuru Kariri, Povo Wassu Cocal, Povo Kapinawá, Povo Kambiwá, CIMI, APOINME, Comunidade Quilombo la Negros do Osso, SESAI, SECRETARIA DE AGRICULTURA, SAF/MDA, SEDUC, IPA, CONSEA/PE, ADAGRO, Secretaria Estadual da Mulher, Secretaria Estadual de Educação, SEAF, Movimento Mangue-Crew, Movimento Pé no Chão, Rede Reflectação, Centro Josué de Castro, CDAPP e DIOCESE DE PESQUEIRA. Preocupados com a morada de nossos Ancestrais, e a nossa relação com a Mãe Terra, realizamos uma reflexão sobre o tipo de agricultura que desejamos. Observando as práticas e usos atuais em nosso território, identificamos e refletimos sobre os elementos que poderiam fragilizar e aqueles que podem fortalecem o Projeto de Futuro de nosso povo. Recuperando a memória de outras assembleias, verificamos que a preocupação com a Mãe Terra sempre esteve presente. Neste encontro, aprofundamos o debate para garantir a nossa autonomia em sintonia com os princípios do Bem Viver e da Natureza Sagrada. Deste modo, entendemos que a Agricultura Xukuru tem como princípios: • O respeito à Mãe Terra; • Garantir o usufruto coletivo do território Xukuru e a Terra livre; • Atender as necessidades básicas da família e, não o acúmulo de riquezas nas mãos de poucos; • A consciência de cuidado e zelo, e não de exploração da natureza garantindo a nossa Saúde. Esta consciência tem relação íntima com a Educação do povo, valorizando também o aprendizado com o outro, na convivência diária; • O diálogo com a Natureza Sagrada, pois é ela quem pode dar as respostas para o tempo de plantio e colheita, além da condução da lavoura; tendo como referência os costumes de nossos ancestrais; • Prezar pela igualdade de condições no acesso a tudo que a natureza nos oferece; • Não comercializar, mas, preservar, zelar e cuidar da nossa Mãe Terra; • Reconhecer os direitos e responsabilidades mutua para o bem comum; • Tudo deve ser realizado com autonomia e liberdade, livre das regras da produção de mercado e de políticas de governo contrárias ao nosso projeto de vida. Reafirmamos que para nós a natureza é sagrada, é o local de morada dos nossos encantos. Feri-la é comprometer as nossas próprias vidas e de todos os seres viventes. Enquanto tivermos água, terra e mata nós existiremos e bem viveremos. Para isso, temos que vivenciar práticas que garantam a terra livre, as águas vivas e as matas protegidas. A religiosidade é nossa fonte de força e sabedoria. O Povo Xukuru é contra toda e qualquer prática governamental que desrespeite a dignidade e a vida dos Povos Indígenas do Brasil. Portanto, somos contra a aprovação da PEC 215 e a PEC 038, além dos projetos desenvolvimentistas como o PAC. E contra qualquer medida que venha a ferir os direitos indígenas, em especial os artigos 231 e 232 da Constituição Federal de 1988. Que o governo respeite a decisão dos povos indígenas, quilombolas e comunidades tradicionais para que se tenha um tempo para uma discussão mais ampla sobre a regulamentação do processo de consulta como preconiza a convenção 169 da OIT. Aldeia Capim de Planta, 19 de maio de 2012. E diga ao povo que avance!