Indigenous Peoples and the Brazilian state: insights on the concept of development and the Good Living’s proposals

Abstract

The aim of this article is to make an analysis about how the conception of “Good Living” could contribute to a discussion on the issues around the indigenous peoples in Brazil, as targets of historical and persistent violence, which, as we argue, are consequence of the capitalist logic of development sustained by the Brazilian state. Firstly, we make an introductory analysis about the concept of development emerged during the 20th century, trying to establish its bases. In the second section, from the “Comissão Nacional da Verdade”, United Nation’s on the indigenous rights in Brazil, and the “Conselho Indigenista Missionário” reports, we analyze how, in pursuing such development, the Brazilian State’s practices affects the indigenous peoples. Lastly, the concepts that surround and fundament the idea of “Good Living” are presented, suggesting some insights on about propositions and alternatives. From that, as a conclusion, some considerations are made about how the capitalist logic of development, focused on extractivism and commodification of natural resources, impacts the situation of the indigenous peoples in Brazil, since they threaten their territory rights and the maintenance of their traditional ways of living.