The Union recognizes the ownership of the indigenous land of the Tapeba people.
A decree from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, published in the Official Gazette of the Union yesterday (4), declares the possession of the land of the Tapeba indigenous people, who live in the municipality of Caucaia, in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza, as permanent. According to the document, the area recognized as indigenous is equivalent to 5,8 hectares. Part of it is occupied by non-indigenous people. From the declaration of permanent possession, these people must be removed. The declaration of permanent possession of the indigenous land also renders ineffective all actions that until then questioned the effectiveness of the indigenous land.
Brazil Agency - A decree from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, published in the Official Gazette of the Union yesterday (4), declares the possession of the land of the Tapeba indigenous people, who live in the municipality of Caucaia, in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza, as permanent.
"The federal government is making enormous reparations to the Tapeba people and easing the real estate and political pressure that has existed for years," said Weibe Tapeba, coordinator of the Organizations of Indigenous Peoples of Ceará. He explains that these tensions occurred mainly through lawsuits seeking the repossession of lands located in the demarcated area.
According to the document, the area recognized as indigenous territory is equivalent to 5,8 hectares. Part of it is occupied by non-indigenous people in the form of housing developments and industries, for example. Following the declaration of permanent possession, these people must be removed – a process known as expulsion or de-intrusion.
Recently, according to Weibe, one of these lawsuits targeting Tapeba land almost came to fruition when 67 families received an eviction order due to a decision by the Federal Court in Recife, but the repossession was suspended by the Supreme Federal Court (STF). According to the coordinator, the Tapeba people now number more than 7.
The declaration of permanent possession of the indigenous land also nullifies all actions that previously questioned the effectiveness of the indigenous land. According to the Ministry of Justice, the next step is the administrative demarcation, the responsibility of the National Indian Foundation (Funai), so that the lands can then be officially recognized by the President of the Republic via decree.
"The Tapeba land is perhaps the most emblematic because it is one of the oldest Funai procedures. Permanent possession should be celebrated and received with joy, as this land will serve our physical and cultural development," says Weibe. According to him, the Tapeba community will perform the toré ritual today and will hold a traditional party on Saturday (9) with the presence of representatives of other indigenous peoples of Ceará.
There are 14 ethnic groups throughout the state of Ceará, with an estimated population of around 30 people.