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This week's "Caravan to Resist Dams in the Amazon" marked the largest political action ever staged in opposition to the Brazilian government's authoritarian march to dam the Tapajós River. Assembled on the banks of the majestic river, members the region's indigenous and traditional communities joined religious leaders and activists to stand as one in defense of the Tapajós, its peoples, and all the life that this vital waterway sustains.
As the Caravan participants streamed into the São Luiz do Tapajós community, the air was charged with the vigor of unity and the hope that our collective and sustained struggle will turn the tide on a brutal government that aims to repeat Belo Monte's environmental and human tragedy on the Brazilian Amazon's last wild tributary. An impressive contingent of Munduruku people fueled an atmosphere of resistance with traditional dances, chants, and fiery speeches, while three Amazonian bishops held a mass driven by calls to challenge the government's aims, in defense of nature and human dignity.
"Our struggle is large and dangerous, but we know we shall win," said Munduruku Chief Suberanino Saw. "I've been to Belo Monte so I know what these dams represent: if they are built on the Tapajós they will flood our lands, and destroy our fish and hunting. We've come to put and end to this madness."
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