BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) 鈥� Indigenous women in Brazil鈥檚 capital Brasilia showcased their creations during a fashion event as part of the Third March of Indigenous Women to claim women鈥檚 rights and the demarcation of Indigenous lands.
Under a huge white marquee, models in headdresses, necklaces and traditional attire strutted along a catwalk lined with green foliage to the cheers of a couple of hundred onlookers, many of whom had their smartphones out to share the event on social networks.
Kajina Maneira da Costa, from the Nukini people in Acre state, near the border with Peru, said she was nervous before taking to the stage, but was proud to be representing her people.
鈥淭here still exists a lot of prejudice. It鈥檚 not normal to see an Indigenous fashion show,鈥� the 19-year-old said.
Kitted out in a bright yellow dress and headdress, C茅lia Xakriab谩, a federal lawmaker from the south-eastern state of Minas Gerais, said on stage that the event was about 鈥渄ecolonizing fashion.鈥�
鈥淭oday we showed the power of our creation in clothing 鈥� our headdresses and our ancestry. We participate in politics when we sing and parade,鈥� Xakriab谩 added later in a post on Instagram.
Xakriab谩 was voted in during last year鈥檚 October elections, at the same time as .
Since taking office in January, Lula has given significantly more attention to the demands of Indigenous peoples than his predecessor. Bolsonaro opposed Indigenous rights, refused to expand Indigenous territories and had a record of statements critics called racist.
In Lula鈥檚 third, non-consecutive term, eight Indigenous territories have been demarcated, and , headed by Indigenous woman Sonia Guajajara.
Indigenous women are increasingly center stage on Brazil鈥檚 political scene, and even within their communities. The Third March of Indigenous Women, which took place from Sept. 11 to 13, is a testament to their growing movement.
鈥淚ndigenous men had visibility, but now women are adding their strength to the defense of their territory too,鈥� said Ana Paula da Silva, a researcher at Rio de Janeiro State University鈥檚 Indigenous peoples study program.
鈥淭hey are marching to say 鈥榳e are here鈥� and it鈥檚 no longer possible to keep ignoring us,鈥� she added.
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Hughes reported from Rio de Janeiro.
Eraldo Peres And El茅onore Hughes, The Associated Press
