This exegesis examines the context of my studio work submitted for the degree of Doctor of Visual Art at Griffith University in 2004. My art practice reflects my identity, which is complex and many-stranded, but at its core is my identity as a 21st century woman of Torres Strait Islander descent. I also acknowledge multiple heritages and, like many of my contemporaries, I am a descendant of those two thirds of the Torres Strait population who now live on the Australian mainland. Having been born and brought up on the mainland also means that I am connected to, and have been affected by, wider Australian Indigenous issues, particularly those resulting from the alienation and dislocation which stem from colonialism. Therefore, as I draw from both traditional and contemporary modes and theory to explore the appropriateness of my art practice, this exegesis centres on the question: What constitutes culturally appropriate practice for me as a contemporary Torres Strait Island woman?

This thesis explores the ways in which the legacy of colonialism continues to shape the material and non-material conditions of rural indigenous communities in Bangladesh. This research examines the complex confluence of power, politics, economics, and identities in rural Bangladesh; it explores the web of local, national, and global mechanisms that (re)create and maintain oppressive systems and structures. Adopting an anti-colonial discursive framework and a case study approach, this research incorporates data from semi-structured and informal, in-depth individual interviews, focus-group interviews, an observational journal, and a review of relevant literature to study a remote Santal village in the Rajshahi division of Bangladesh. This study focuses on the voices of the local people, their experiences and narratives, and analyzes the data within the wider contexts of history, politics, and culture. The anti-colonial discursive framework that guides this study acknowledges the material and intellectual agency of local people and the value of their knowledge and lived experiences; it contributes to understanding local history and culture and the saliency of local resistance to oppressive practices. The research findings reveal that colonial structures of oppression are perpetuated by the devaluation of indigenous peoples’ mother tongue, education, culture, and religion and by distancing them from the land that has belonged to them for centuries. The findings present a shift from the ritual-based, cultural matrix of the rural indigenous community and its tradition-oriented socio-political and education systems. Exclusionary policies and practices of the nation state and Christian aggression have fragmented the Santal community, devalued their collectivist mode of living, and alienated them from their traditional ways of life. The process of land alienation has perpetuated the colonial legacy of terra nullius and displaced the indigenous Santal community’s sense of belonging and its inherent connection to Mother Earth, the bongas , and the spirits of their ancestors. This dissertation suggests that there is urgent need for activism to resist colonial structures of oppression that continue to this day. This study contributes to literature on anti-colonial struggles across the globe and offers a framework for understanding other colonial and indigenous contexts.

This thesis explores the ways in which the legacy of colonialism continues to shape the material and non-material conditions of rural indigenous communities in Bangladesh. This research examines the complex confluence of power, politics, economics, and identities in rural Bangladesh; it explores the web of local, national, and global mechanisms that (re)create and maintain oppressive systems and structures. Adopting an anti-colonial discursive framework and a case study approach, this research incorporates data from semi-structured and informal, in-depth individual interviews, focus-group interviews, an observational journal, and a review of relevant literature to study a remote Santal village in the Rajshahi division of Bangladesh. This study focuses on the voices of the local people, their experiences and narratives, and analyzes the data within the wider contexts of history, politics, and culture. The anti-colonial discursive framework that guides this study acknowledges the material and intellectual agency of local people and the value of their knowledge and lived experiences; it contributes to understanding local history and culture and the saliency of local resistance to oppressive practices. The research findings reveal that colonial structures of oppression are perpetuated by the devaluation of indigenous peoples’ mother tongue, education, culture, and religion and by distancing them from the land that has belonged to them for centuries. The findings present a shift from the ritual-based, cultural matrix of the rural indigenous community and its tradition-oriented socio-political and education systems. Exclusionary policies and practices of the nation state and Christian aggression have fragmented the Santal community, devalued their collectivist mode of living, and alienated them from their traditional ways of life. The process of land alienation has perpetuated the colonial legacy of terra nullius and displaced the indigenous Santal community’s sense of belonging and its inherent connection to Mother Earth, the bongas , and the spirits of their ancestors. This dissertation suggests that there is urgent need for activism to resist colonial structures of oppression that continue to this day. This study contributes to literature on anti-colonial struggles across the globe and offers a framework for understanding other colonial and indigenous contexts.

Este trabalho é um estudo sobre a reserva indígena de Serrinha-RS, localizada no Norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, que abrange parte do território dos municípios de Constantina, Engenho Velho, Três Palmeiras e Ronda Alta. No passado foi terra de índios, habitada mais tarde (por volta de 1930) por colonos, originando a expulsão de seus antigos moradores. A Constituição Federal de 1988 devolveu o direito de posse dessas terras aos indígenas e, a partir de 1996, se iniciou o processo de retirada dos colonos da área da reserva. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a origem dos conflitos no campo entre colonos e indígenas pela posse da terra. Busca-se também estudar a relação do índio com o território, transformado pelo colono, e de identificar se ocorreram transformações culturais e se estas foram relevantes para os indígenas. Além disso, pretende-se mostrar como todas as mudanças ou transformações culturais vêm sendo articuladas no contexto da reserva e qual a sua repercussão nos aspectos da cultura “tradicional” por eles ainda mantida. A metodologia utilizada para a realização deste trabalho contou com um embasamento teórico sobre o processo histórico do conflito, sobre os aspectos culturais Kaingang e sobre os conceitos de cultura, paisagem, território e identidade, pertinentes a esta discussão. A pesquisa de campo junto à comunidade Kaingang foi realizada através da elaboração de entrevistas semidiretivas, de coleta de histórias de vida e de diários de campo. Uma das conclusões considerada mais relevante para esta pesquisa refere-se à importância do território para a manutenção da vida e da cultura Kaingang. Somente após a reconquista do território é que os indígenas conseguiram revitalizar sua cultura. / This work is a study on the Serrinha indigenous reservation, located in the northern part of Rio Grande do Sul state, that includes part of the territory of the municipal districts of Constantina, Engenho Velho, Três Palmeiras and Ronda Alta. In the past it was Indian land. Later (about 1930), it was inhabited by settlers, resulting in its former residents' banishment. The Federal Constitution of 1988 returned the ownership right of those lands to the natives and, starting from 1996, the process of settlers´ withdrawal from the reservation areas began. This study aims to analyze the origin of the field conflicts between settlers and Indians over the ownership of the land. It also seeks to study the relationship of the Indians with the territory transformed by the settlers, and to identify whether there were cultural transformations and if those were relevant to the natives. Besides, it intends to show how all the changes or cultural transformations have been articulated in the context of the reservation and what are their repercussions in some aspects of the "traditional" culture still kept by them. The methodology for the accomplishment of this work relied on a theoretical basis on the historical process of the conflict, on the Kaingang cultural aspects, and on the concepts of culture, landscape, territory and identity, pertinent to this discussion. The field research on the Kaingang community was conducted through the elaboration of semi-directing interviews, the collection of life histories and the writing of field journals. One of the most relevant results of this research refers to the importance of territory for the maintenance of Kaingang life and culture. It was only after the natives were given back their territory that they got to revitalize their culture.

Living in two worlds is an insider perspective of how indigenous Pacific Immigrant communities, in this specific case Fijian's living in New Zealand face the challenges of living two cultures in a developed country like New Zealand. The quest to hold on to one's indigenous culture while adapting to another, in order to survive the realities of everyday circumstances can be a complicated struggle. The main objective of this research was to collate and analyze information from Fijian families who migrated to New Zealand from 1970's to the mid 1980's with reference to the challenges they faced. In order to understand such constant struggles there are underlying questions and factors that should be considered. For example - why do people continue to be conservative about their cultural identities or how do they react to unfamiliar challenges in a multicultural society. Another could be - what influences have been seen in order for their children to recognize their indigenous identity. Comparable factors that will bring to other aspects of living in two worlds which would be considered were socio-economic issues, higher education, technological advancement, immigration policies, development constraints and quality of living standards. Fijians and other indigenous Pacific people have through the years gained the ultimate will to defend their cultural and traditional identity whilst living in a world of western values and culture. Coupled with this have been the complexities of holding on to the values of both worlds. As this project probed into these newly rediscovered stories about journeys to their new homeland filled with opportunities, capitalism or westernization had never withered their passion and dreams as Pacific people to better themselves. They also enjoyed the luxury of both worlds as conservators of Pacific cultures and exploiters of technological advancement filled with huge dreams, opportunities and better standards of living. Fijians have the smallest population of Pacific people in New Zealand when compared to Samoa, Tonga, and Cook Islanders. There were relatively small number of Fijians who arrived after the end of World War 2 and they were basically employed in farms, forestry work stations and industrial areas. Others were in New Zealand on government scholarships, training or internship and work experience programs. Most of these people returned home while a very small proportion stayed behind. In the early 1970's and 1980's there was also an influx of seasonal workers in the Central North Island areas including Hawkes Bay, Tokoroa and the Waikato region. Most people were recruited from the Pacific Islands including Fiji because of their hard working attitude and cheap labour margins. When their term was completed some decided to stay and work, eventually residing legally and permanently with their families. Another group of men came via Wellington by boat, destined to become maintenance and repair workers. (bound for maintenance and repair work and ) but were left stranded when the shipping company ownership changed. The dock and maritime workers union fought for the case stating the government on humanitarian grounds should provide them with employment and residency status. After an extensive legal struggle, which lasted almost seven years these early Fijian workers and their families were granted work and residency permits. The (remaining) other families came as visitors or through marriage links and were granted work and residency permits. The 1996 statistics (Statistics New Zealand, Census 1996) stated that Fijians were the most highly skilled and educated Pacific Island population in New Zealand. These statistics had been directly influenced by the latest influx of well educated and highly qualified Fijians who arrived in the late 1990's. The research will also highlight whether those who arrived before this latest influx faced the same challenges. These challenges will be compared to those faced by the generation of Fijians and Pacific people who were born and bred in New Zealand.

Este trabalho é um estudo sobre a reserva indígena de Serrinha-RS, localizada no Norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, que abrange parte do território dos municípios de Constantina, Engenho Velho, Três Palmeiras e Ronda Alta. No passado foi terra de índios, habitada mais tarde (por volta de 1930) por colonos, originando a expulsão de seus antigos moradores. A Constituição Federal de 1988 devolveu o direito de posse dessas terras aos indígenas e, a partir de 1996, se iniciou o processo de retirada dos colonos da área da reserva. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a origem dos conflitos no campo entre colonos e indígenas pela posse da terra. Busca-se também estudar a relação do índio com o território, transformado pelo colono, e de identificar se ocorreram transformações culturais e se estas foram relevantes para os indígenas. Além disso, pretende-se mostrar como todas as mudanças ou transformações culturais vêm sendo articuladas no contexto da reserva e qual a sua repercussão nos aspectos da cultura “tradicional” por eles ainda mantida. A metodologia utilizada para a realização deste trabalho contou com um embasamento teórico sobre o processo histórico do conflito, sobre os aspectos culturais Kaingang e sobre os conceitos de cultura, paisagem, território e identidade, pertinentes a esta discussão. A pesquisa de campo junto à comunidade Kaingang foi realizada através da elaboração de entrevistas semidiretivas, de coleta de histórias de vida e de diários de campo. Uma das conclusões considerada mais relevante para esta pesquisa refere-se à importância do território para a manutenção da vida e da cultura Kaingang. Somente após a reconquista do território é que os indígenas conseguiram revitalizar sua cultura. / This work is a study on the Serrinha indigenous reservation, located in the northern part of Rio Grande do Sul state, that includes part of the territory of the municipal districts of Constantina, Engenho Velho, Três Palmeiras and Ronda Alta. In the past it was Indian land. Later (about 1930), it was inhabited by settlers, resulting in its former residents' banishment. The Federal Constitution of 1988 returned the ownership right of those lands to the natives and, starting from 1996, the process of settlers´ withdrawal from the reservation areas began. This study aims to analyze the origin of the field conflicts between settlers and Indians over the ownership of the land. It also seeks to study the relationship of the Indians with the territory transformed by the settlers, and to identify whether there were cultural transformations and if those were relevant to the natives. Besides, it intends to show how all the changes or cultural transformations have been articulated in the context of the reservation and what are their repercussions in some aspects of the "traditional" culture still kept by them. The methodology for the accomplishment of this work relied on a theoretical basis on the historical process of the conflict, on the Kaingang cultural aspects, and on the concepts of culture, landscape, territory and identity, pertinent to this discussion. The field research on the Kaingang community was conducted through the elaboration of semi-directing interviews, the collection of life histories and the writing of field journals. One of the most relevant results of this research refers to the importance of territory for the maintenance of Kaingang life and culture. It was only after the natives were given back their territory that they got to revitalize their culture.

Este trabalho é um estudo sobre a reserva indígena de Serrinha-RS, localizada no Norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, que abrange parte do território dos municípios de Constantina, Engenho Velho, Três Palmeiras e Ronda Alta. No passado foi terra de índios, habitada mais tarde (por volta de 1930) por colonos, originando a expulsão de seus antigos moradores. A Constituição Federal de 1988 devolveu o direito de posse dessas terras aos indígenas e, a partir de 1996, se iniciou o processo de retirada dos colonos da área da reserva. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a origem dos conflitos no campo entre colonos e indígenas pela posse da terra. Busca-se também estudar a relação do índio com o território, transformado pelo colono, e de identificar se ocorreram transformações culturais e se estas foram relevantes para os indígenas. Além disso, pretende-se mostrar como todas as mudanças ou transformações culturais vêm sendo articuladas no contexto da reserva e qual a sua repercussão nos aspectos da cultura “tradicional” por eles ainda mantida. A metodologia utilizada para a realização deste trabalho contou com um embasamento teórico sobre o processo histórico do conflito, sobre os aspectos culturais Kaingang e sobre os conceitos de cultura, paisagem, território e identidade, pertinentes a esta discussão. A pesquisa de campo junto à comunidade Kaingang foi realizada através da elaboração de entrevistas semidiretivas, de coleta de histórias de vida e de diários de campo. Uma das conclusões considerada mais relevante para esta pesquisa refere-se à importância do território para a manutenção da vida e da cultura Kaingang. Somente após a reconquista do território é que os indígenas conseguiram revitalizar sua cultura. / This work is a study on the Serrinha indigenous reservation, located in the northern part of Rio Grande do Sul state, that includes part of the territory of the municipal districts of Constantina, Engenho Velho, Três Palmeiras and Ronda Alta. In the past it was Indian land. Later (about 1930), it was inhabited by settlers, resulting in its former residents' banishment. The Federal Constitution of 1988 returned the ownership right of those lands to the natives and, starting from 1996, the process of settlers´ withdrawal from the reservation areas began. This study aims to analyze the origin of the field conflicts between settlers and Indians over the ownership of the land. It also seeks to study the relationship of the Indians with the territory transformed by the settlers, and to identify whether there were cultural transformations and if those were relevant to the natives. Besides, it intends to show how all the changes or cultural transformations have been articulated in the context of the reservation and what are their repercussions in some aspects of the "traditional" culture still kept by them. The methodology for the accomplishment of this work relied on a theoretical basis on the historical process of the conflict, on the Kaingang cultural aspects, and on the concepts of culture, landscape, territory and identity, pertinent to this discussion. The field research on the Kaingang community was conducted through the elaboration of semi-directing interviews, the collection of life histories and the writing of field journals. One of the most relevant results of this research refers to the importance of territory for the maintenance of Kaingang life and culture. It was only after the natives were given back their territory that they got to revitalize their culture.

O presente estudo baseia-se na vivência do pesquisador como membro participante de assembléias realizadas e organizadas pelos índios Ingarikó, em 2005, em Roraima, especificamente na Terra Indígena Raposa Serra do Sol. Essas assembléias visavam discutir as alternativas de gestão do território ocupado pelo grupo Ingarikó, em função da dupla afetação do mesmo como Terra Indígena e Unidade de Conservação. O pesquisador se inscreveu como membro das assembléias, a partir de um convite a ele formalizado por uma liderança Ingarikó, tendo exercido o papel de articulador da organização indígena denominada Conselho do Povo Indígena Ingarikó (Coping), recém-criada nos momentos que antecederam as assembléias. Participaram dessas assembléias, além das lideranças e de membros das comunidades Ingarikó, representantes dos órgãos governamentais envolvidos com a gestão de Terras Indígenas e de Unidades de Conservação, no âmbito local e federal, dentre os quais assumem relevância no presente estudo a Fundação Nacional do Índio (Funai) e, à época, o Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama). Tal condição permitiu ao pesquisador, na qualidade de observador participante das referidas assembléias, levantar e analisar informações que propiciaram o conhecimento de como se dava a ação do grupo Ingarikó no exercício da gestão política do território em questão. Essa ação indicou haver uma apropriação da categoria Parque Nacional de forma específica pelo grupo, denotando aspiração de soberania nas decisões e ações, políticas e de gestão, sobre o futuro das regras e técnicas de uso do território. Essa indicação baseou-se na observação das formas de condução das assembléias, na convivência do pesquisador no contexto do modo de vida Ingarikó e nas verbalizações ocorridas durante as assembléias e em conversas com membros da comunidade. Além disso, a observação fundamentou a percepção de que o chamamento das assembléias pelos Ingarikó, assim como o seu desenvolvimento, refletiam um aprendizado dos índios com relação aos modelos de desempenho de ações políticas exercidas pelos atores institucionais do Ibama, da Funai e de organizações indígenas, permitindo também o fortalecimento de uma identidade Ingarikó. Em síntese, a análise do desenrolar das assembléias, em sua totalidade, levou à abstração de que havia, subentendida no comportamento do grupo Ingarikó, uma vinculação entre o respeito aos direitos indígenas sobre as terras que ocupam e a conservação ambiental, conforme estabelecido nos fundamentos originais que justificaram a constituição histórica da legislação indígena do Estado brasileiro, cuja política está centralizada na categoria jurídica Terra Indígena. Paradoxalmente, foi possível constatar que essa essencial vinculação não está presente na forma como as políticas públicas indigenistas e ambientais se materializam, exigindo, de seus agentes, um esforço na busca de articulação das mesmas na ação. / The present study was based on the experience of one researcher participating in assemblies organized and conducted by the Ingariko tribe in the Indian lands known as the Raposa Serra do Sol, in the state of Roraima, Brazil. These assemblies, held in 2005, were aimed at discussing alternative forms of managing the territory occupied by the Ingariko tribe, a territory that, in addition to having been officially set aside for use by indigenous peoples, has been designated an environmentally protected area (Mount Roraima National Park). The researcher was formally invited to participate in the assemblies by one of the leaders of the Ingariko tribe. The invitation came as a result of the coordinating role played by the researcher in the organization known as the Ingariko Indigenous Peoples Council, which was created in the weeks leading up to the assemblies. In addition to the leaders and members of the Ingariko villages, representatives of governmental agencies involved in the management of Indian lands and environmentally protected areas were in attendance. Among such agencies were the Fundação Nacional do Índio (Funai, National Indian Foundation) and the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama, Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources). During these assemblies, the researcher, in the role of participating observer, was able to raise questions and analyze information regarding the activism of the Ingariko tribe in influencing the political management of the disputed territory. The researcher noted that the intervention by members of the tribe resulted in their appropriation of the classification \'National Park\' in a form specific to the tribe, denoting an aspiration to have sovereignty in making decisions and plans, in terms of policies and management, regarding the future use of the territory. This conclusion was reached based on the manner in which the assemblies were conducted and on the personal experience of the researcher, who was familiar with the Ingariko way of life, as well as on statements made during the assemblies and in conversations with members of the community. In addition, the fact that the Ingariko called for and organized these assemblies indicates their political maturation in relation to models of political activities sanctioned by the institutional actors (Ibama, Funai and other organizations involved in indigenous issues), as well as the strengthening of the Ingariko cultural identity. In summary, the analysis of the way in which the assemblies proceeded, overall, and of the behavior of the Ingariko tribe, led to the abstraction that respect for Indian land rights and environmental conservation are inextricably linked. This link has its foundation in the constitutional and legislative history of Brazil in relation to Indian rights and issues affecting indigenous peoples, the central focus of which, in legal terms, is Indian lands. Paradoxically, it became apparent that this essential link is not taken into consideration during the formation of public policies related to indigenous and environmental issues. Therefore, public officials must consciously attempt to incorporate this idea into their interpretation and implementation of such policies.

O presente estudo baseia-se na vivência do pesquisador como membro participante de assembléias realizadas e organizadas pelos índios Ingarikó, em 2005, em Roraima, especificamente na Terra Indígena Raposa Serra do Sol. Essas assembléias visavam discutir as alternativas de gestão do território ocupado pelo grupo Ingarikó, em função da dupla afetação do mesmo como Terra Indígena e Unidade de Conservação. O pesquisador se inscreveu como membro das assembléias, a partir de um convite a ele formalizado por uma liderança Ingarikó, tendo exercido o papel de articulador da organização indígena denominada Conselho do Povo Indígena Ingarikó (Coping), recém-criada nos momentos que antecederam as assembléias. Participaram dessas assembléias, além das lideranças e de membros das comunidades Ingarikó, representantes dos órgãos governamentais envolvidos com a gestão de Terras Indígenas e de Unidades de Conservação, no âmbito local e federal, dentre os quais assumem relevância no presente estudo a Fundação Nacional do Índio (Funai) e, à época, o Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama). Tal condição permitiu ao pesquisador, na qualidade de observador participante das referidas assembléias, levantar e analisar informações que propiciaram o conhecimento de como se dava a ação do grupo Ingarikó no exercício da gestão política do território em questão. Essa ação indicou haver uma apropriação da categoria Parque Nacional de forma específica pelo grupo, denotando aspiração de soberania nas decisões e ações, políticas e de gestão, sobre o futuro das regras e técnicas de uso do território. Essa indicação baseou-se na observação das formas de condução das assembléias, na convivência do pesquisador no contexto do modo de vida Ingarikó e nas verbalizações ocorridas durante as assembléias e em conversas com membros da comunidade. Além disso, a observação fundamentou a percepção de que o chamamento das assembléias pelos Ingarikó, assim como o seu desenvolvimento, refletiam um aprendizado dos índios com relação aos modelos de desempenho de ações políticas exercidas pelos atores institucionais do Ibama, da Funai e de organizações indígenas, permitindo também o fortalecimento de uma identidade Ingarikó. Em síntese, a análise do desenrolar das assembléias, em sua totalidade, levou à abstração de que havia, subentendida no comportamento do grupo Ingarikó, uma vinculação entre o respeito aos direitos indígenas sobre as terras que ocupam e a conservação ambiental, conforme estabelecido nos fundamentos originais que justificaram a constituição histórica da legislação indígena do Estado brasileiro, cuja política está centralizada na categoria jurídica Terra Indígena. Paradoxalmente, foi possível constatar que essa essencial vinculação não está presente na forma como as políticas públicas indigenistas e ambientais se materializam, exigindo, de seus agentes, um esforço na busca de articulação das mesmas na ação. / The present study was based on the experience of one researcher participating in assemblies organized and conducted by the Ingariko tribe in the Indian lands known as the Raposa Serra do Sol, in the state of Roraima, Brazil. These assemblies, held in 2005, were aimed at discussing alternative forms of managing the territory occupied by the Ingariko tribe, a territory that, in addition to having been officially set aside for use by indigenous peoples, has been designated an environmentally protected area (Mount Roraima National Park). The researcher was formally invited to participate in the assemblies by one of the leaders of the Ingariko tribe. The invitation came as a result of the coordinating role played by the researcher in the organization known as the Ingariko Indigenous Peoples Council, which was created in the weeks leading up to the assemblies. In addition to the leaders and members of the Ingariko villages, representatives of governmental agencies involved in the management of Indian lands and environmentally protected areas were in attendance. Among such agencies were the Fundação Nacional do Índio (Funai, National Indian Foundation) and the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama, Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources). During these assemblies, the researcher, in the role of participating observer, was able to raise questions and analyze information regarding the activism of the Ingariko tribe in influencing the political management of the disputed territory. The researcher noted that the intervention by members of the tribe resulted in their appropriation of the classification \'National Park\' in a form specific to the tribe, denoting an aspiration to have sovereignty in making decisions and plans, in terms of policies and management, regarding the future use of the territory. This conclusion was reached based on the manner in which the assemblies were conducted and on the personal experience of the researcher, who was familiar with the Ingariko way of life, as well as on statements made during the assemblies and in conversations with members of the community. In addition, the fact that the Ingariko called for and organized these assemblies indicates their political maturation in relation to models of political activities sanctioned by the institutional actors (Ibama, Funai and other organizations involved in indigenous issues), as well as the strengthening of the Ingariko cultural identity. In summary, the analysis of the way in which the assemblies proceeded, overall, and of the behavior of the Ingariko tribe, led to the abstraction that respect for Indian land rights and environmental conservation are inextricably linked. This link has its foundation in the constitutional and legislative history of Brazil in relation to Indian rights and issues affecting indigenous peoples, the central focus of which, in legal terms, is Indian lands. Paradoxically, it became apparent that this essential link is not taken into consideration during the formation of public policies related to indigenous and environmental issues. Therefore, public officials must consciously attempt to incorporate this idea into their interpretation and implementation of such policies.