Brazil Supreme Court creates park to honor last man of the Tanaru people

Mongabay
Mongabay
2M ago
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Brazil's Supreme Court has created Tanaru National Park to honor the last member of the Tanaru Indigenous people, ensuring land protection against agricultural claims.
Brazil Supreme Court creates park to honor last man of the Tanaru people
A What happened
On October 8, 2025, Brazil's Supreme Court approved the creation of Tanaru National Park in Rondônia, safeguarding the land where the last member of the Tanaru Indigenous people, known as the 'Man of the Hole,' lived in isolation until his death in 2022. The park serves as a memorial and aims to prevent agricultural exploitation of the area. Justice Edson Fachin emphasized that the park represents historical reparation for the violence faced by the Tanaru people. The ruling affirms that the land remains protected despite the absence of its last inhabitant, countering farmers' claims. The decision follows a constitutional complaint filed by the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, highlighting ongoing failures to protect Indigenous rights. The ruling reinforces Brazil's noncontact policy, respecting the self-isolation of Indigenous groups. Tanaru's death sparked concerns about the future of his land, but the court's decision ensures its preservation as a testament to the Tanaru people's legacy.

Key insights

  • 1

    Historical Reparation: The park serves as a memorial and reparation for the violence against the Tanaru people.

  • 2

    Protection of Indigenous Land: The ruling affirms that Indigenous land remains protected despite the absence of its last inhabitant.

Takeaways

The establishment of Tanaru National Park marks a significant step in recognizing and preserving Indigenous rights in Brazil.

Topics

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