Amazon Indians petition Brazilian government

Brazil:  Indigenous tribes protest against Amazon damHundreds of indigenous Brazilians have been protesting in the capital, Brasilia, against the construction of what will be the world's third biggest hydro-electric dam.

An indigenous leader delivered a petition opposing the project signed by more than half a million people.

Environmentalists say the dam in the Amazon river basin will harm the world's biggest tropical rainforest.And:"We don't want Belo Monte because it will destroy our rivers, our jungle and our way of life," he added.

Another tribal leader said he and his tribe had not been given enough information about the project.

Ireo Kayapo said that if his tribe were to be driven from its land, "there'll be war and blood will be spilled."Comment:  This is another stereotype buster. While almost every work of fiction portrays Amazon Indians as primitive spearchucking savages, the actual Amazon Indians are organizing worldwide support, gathering hundreds of thousands of signatures, and presenting their demands to the government. The next time you see that in an Indiana Jones movie or FIRST WAVE comic will be the first time.

For more on Amazon Indians in fiction, see No Indians in Off the Map and Twilight's Amazon Coven. For more on Amazon Indians in reality, see Cameron's and Weaver's Anti-Dam Films and Amazon Indian Students on the Net.

Below:  "Kaiapo Indians make their voices heard outside the National Congress in Brasilia." I presume the Kaiapo have dressed this way to make a point. Note that the lead Indian is wearing glasses.