Brazil is set to establish its first Indigenous University, marking a significant step towards recognizing and preserving indigenous cultures. This initiative aims to transform indigenous education, shifting from a tool of assimilation to a means of cultural empowerment.
Professor Eliel Benites from the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD) details the project. He highlights the importance of intercultural dialogue and respect for the diversity among Brazil's 305 indigenous groups, who speak 274 different languages.
The new university will operate as a networked institution, connecting different indigenous communities and biomes. It will offer specialized courses and curricula that integrate traditional knowledge with Western academic disciplines. The goal is to foster a new generation that values both indigenous and Western perspectives in knowledge creation.
Historically, formal education was used as a tool to assimilate indigenous peoples into Brazilian society. The Constitution of 1988 marked a turning point, recognizing indigenous peoples' right to their own languages and cultures. The creation of the Indigenous University is a further step in rectifying past injustices and promoting cultural diversity.
The university will address challenges such as incorporating traditional knowledge into the curriculum and providing adequate training for indigenous teachers. It seeks to create a space for constant experimentation in pedagogical practices, moving away from traditional content-based models of education.
The initiative involves collaboration between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, the Ministry of Education (MEC), and other government bodies. The National Working Group of the Indigenous University, established by MEC in 2024, is working to finalize the proposal this year. The university aims to strengthen linguistic policies, memories, museums, and indigenous cultural heritage.