Brief Background:
Poty was born in São Paulo and grew up between the city and his Guarani Mbya community. He learned his people’s culture and language from his grandparents, but also had to adapt to urban life. From a young age, he had to be self-reliant, teaching himself to read and write.

Current Work:
He works in education and health within the village, serving as a teacher and community project manager. Throughout his life, he has participated in initiatives to strengthen Guarani Mbya identity, protect their land, and transmit cultural knowledge to younger generations.

Direct Testimony:

“Living in São Paulo has brought opportunities, but also challenges. We need to preserve our culture and identity, even while living in the city. Our territory, traditions, and language are what keep us alive as a people.”

Reference Link: Museu da Imigração – Poty Poran Oral History

Brief Background:
Jerá was born in the Tenondé Porã Indigenous Land, in the Parelheiros district of São Paulo. At the age of 10, she was enrolled in a school outside the village, facing initial challenges due to the language barrier, as she did not speak Portuguese. Despite dropping out three times in the first grade, she persisted and, with the support of teachers, completed her formal education.

Current Work:
Jerá is an educator and active leader in defending indigenous rights. She participated in protests against the glorification of the bandeirantes in São Paulo, such as the march that covered the Monument to the Bandeiras with red paint, symbolizing the hidden massacre of indigenous people. Additionally, she was involved in creating Kalipety village within the Tenondé Porã Indigenous Land.

Direct Testimony:
"There is no way to plant and live in such a small space. What we do today is protect our seeds, waiting for the day our land is recognized so that we can return to planting in the traditional way."

Reference Link: Wikipedia – Jerá Guarani

Brief Background:
Chirley was born in Floresta, Pernambuco, and moved to São Paulo in 1998 seeking new opportunities. She graduated in Pedagogy and attended teacher training in her hometown. Upon arriving in São Paulo, she initially worked as a domestic worker but soon entered the field of education, becoming a pedagogue and earning a master’s degree in Education from PUC-SP. Currently, she is a doctoral student in Social Anthropology at the University of São Paulo (USP).

Current Work:
Chirley became the first co-indigenous deputy to serve in the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo with the Activist Bench (PSOL), elected in 2018 as a state deputy. She continues her academic and activist work, advocating for indigenous rights and education.

Direct Testimony:
"Education is a powerful tool for the preservation and strengthening of our cultures. It is through education that we can transmit our knowledge and resist external impositions."

Reference: Wikipedia – Chirley Pankará