Why Brazil’s indigenous people fight for the Amazon rainforest | Nixiwaka Yawanawá | TEDxBedford

Nixiwaka Yawanawá is a member of the Yawanawá tribe -- a community of indigenous people who live within the Amazon rainforest -- on the Acre River Headwaters Indigenous Land. Like many other Amazonian tribes, the Yawanawá rely on the rainforest for their subsistence, and the land holds a very deep spiritual significance, Nixiwaka says. However, their land is being illegally invaded and projects like dams, roads, mining and agriculture are destroying their way of life.
Indigenous people are all over Brazil are speaking out against these changes and fighting for their right to live on their ancestral lands in peace. Nixiwaka asks us to consider why a way of life that is designed to be entirely in tune with its environment and resources is being destroyed by a way of life that isn’t.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@emsssc9265]

I'm half indigenous-Brazilian and have never seen this kind of international representation for a people I am a part of, especially not online. I don't know much about that part of my culture, but it makes me so very happy and proud to see this, to see him speaking in a TedTalk

[@Bewefau]

Whats your other half? :o

[@alexcargill1498]

Nixiwaka Yawanawá for President of planet Earth please. Much wisdom. This world desperately needs more people like him.

[@urzsulaz2604]

Alex Cargill I ' ll gave him my vote🤗

[@nicholaspearson4246]

Absolutely true! There are many tribal spokespeople around the planet who have so much to offer. Yet the world is now going in exactly the opposite direction under "leaders" like Trump, Putin, Xi, Erdogan, Duterte, Bolsonaro, Urban.

[@phoenixwillington7329]

Yes

[@marianaturaluna6306]

Agree!

[@YRD666]

Native American tribes have embraced Islamic teachings. They became apostates (Christians) by the Spanish colonizers. Native American tribes have known monotheism. And know God. If you are asked who is your God??...The answer is Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds and all the blessings He has bestowed. There is no God but Him (Allah). And Allah says in the Qur'an Surah Thaha: 14 'Indeed I am Allah, there is no god but Me, so worship Me and pray to remember Me.

[@larissagabiqueiroga]

"I come as one, but I stand as a 10,000"

[@pkr9285]

Such a beautiful man... with a very important message! And his message is urgent not only for indigenous people of Brazil, but for the entire planet. The rainforest is crucial to the planet! We need all be moved to protect the rainforest as well as other lands! Thank you Nixiwaka; what an extraordinary presentation!

[@nevis4567]

Nice! Stop eating beef?

[@cynthiaennis3107]

@@nevis4567 plants have a nervous system. Read about the Griver Cleveland Backster who hooked up the polygraph to plants & how they react when a person just has the thought of harming then & then their reaction when someone does. After his death, it was found that plants actually have something very similar to a nervous system & communicate to other plants! All indigenous tribes still communicate with both plants & animals! They will even ask an animal to sacrifice itself to be their food & they can find that one animal, lead by its silver thread! So...it’s not like today where most modern men are so disconnected from nature. There was harmony & telepathy & still is among the indigenous tribes all over.

[@nevis4567]

@@cynthiaennis3107 The morally important reason not to eat beef is sentience. Plants can carry electrical stimulus, but there is no self-awareness sentience in the process. They do not suffer. I hear your concern with connection to nature. Do you believe this connection is only reserved to indigenous tribes? Can a thoughtful well-educated person steer their empathy towards animals?

[@entropy5596]

feel obligated to listen. Respect him like you would a king, it's his fate to become a leader.

Nixiwaka Yawanawa, a man of great wisdom if only our governments and greedy would listen

[@efmoraes2284]

And now here in Brazil the situation is worst, will be worst th ever.

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

@@efmoraes2284 It will be worse for those doing bad things or taking advantage of who actually needs help. Whoever needs help or are in need, those will be helped.

[@drts6955]

@@Lucas-vd2gx vomitando aqui

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

@@drts6955 vomitando pq?

[@drts6955]

@@Lucas-vd2gx pra quem que faz mal vai ser ruim... E pra aqueles que fazem bem vai ser tudo rosas... Affff cara... Saudade da época que era tão burro

[@beautiful3881]

To my awakening I feel so connected with all of this. Cherokee Indian here

[@shubhangisinha5786]

He looks like a Prince and I love him.

[@marianaturaluna6306]

Agree!

[@loquaciousone105]

Nixiwaka, I'm on your side when it comes to saving the beauty of nature. I applaud you and your efforts, please keep talking to people about this, we need it and nature needs you to speak up for its virtues and value.

[@zindycoss4679]

This year, March, I visited a couple of tribes in the Acre state, near Cruzeiro do Cruz. My heart was touched that they would give their last fish and banana for me and my friend to eat. They are so welcoming and loving people. So open and humble. Lets keep a beautiful vision of them in peace! Haux Haux! (Light Light!)

[@av2155]

I have great love, respect, and honor for nixiwaka and his tribe. Too me he is a great leader and King in my eyes,and spirit. He has been taught very well. I hope one day too meet him, and his people.

[@LesWilis]

When he received the insight that it was time to move on from his job, he acted on it without fear, open to what would await him. He was aware that the realization came from outside of him. How many of us have failed to listen to that same guidance? Notice also the way his voice changes when he says the word "money," as if money were merely something that Hasbro prints for their board game Monopoly. I have never heard anyone refer to money with this kind of energy. For us non-tribal folks, money is a concept that has power over us, a false god. Lastly, given that he began learning English four years (or less) before this speech, and that his native language does not correspond in any way to English, his ability to articulate his ideas in English is impressive. I don't mind addressing a large audience, but in a foreign language, I would be intimidated. He speaks English correctly and with elegance. You feel his meaning from his presence.

[@mariaj.nieves5329]

Les Willis ..I really like very much the way you wrote your description ..as a way of information .That's a great write up ...Thanks soo much !!👍👍👍👍👍

[@elzee5117]

Well said!

[@sissileliseminde4589]

Take care of the nature,love it and nuture it..Blessings from Norway..I love nature and tribe people..

[@sharonsakcriska4810]

Thank you for your voice of concern for Mother Earth 🌎

[@BledaRassmar]

I love Nixiwaka's soft, strong way of speaking. I could listen all day and all night. I hope he is doing well wherever he is now.

[@AD-qq6rz]

His positive energy's vibrate divene frequencys. THANK YOU ! For your amazing message and awareness of your indegenous people.

[@rui4762]

I hope more people like him can share their wisdom on nature and their cultures.It's a gift to the world.Thank you for sharing!

[@nozarm]

I agree with the message and love the delivery. Nixiwaka, I love the energy you carry. The song/chant 'Happy?' you chanted at the end of your other TEDx talk 'We are all connected with nature' is very sweet. I am not sure I transcribed it anywhere close to the being correct! but I have been singing it and love it. Thank you for sharing. Canaro Cherete itei.... (x2) Ato Noma Noma... (x2) Mahe Mahe Mahe... Noma Mahe Mahe... Noma Mahe....

[@souldreams3016]

The song is Kanaro - by the Yawanawa tribe. You can find official versions of it on youtube if you look it up :)

[@karenbrown9956]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. So sad to hear about the Amazon. Sending you and your tribes prayers for protection of your land, nature the forest. Blessings love and light. You have a beautiful soul!

[@unkiesacredspirit4938]

Beautiful expression of who indigenous people are ,and the connection we have with nature. Very interesting how even a native from the amazon is so alike my own indigenous people in the US. Tay ka no pah..means Thank you for a beautiful presentation

[@ValarieNZ]

Unkie Sacredspirit I feel the same way too, so similar to our maori people here in New Zealand 😊

[@unkiesacredspirit4938]

I would love to learn and hear about your people in new zealand.

[@Sophia.]

Unkie Sacredspirit That's mankinds one song in different languages.

[@unkiesacredspirit4938]

Sophia M. Whatever the case..im just saying it sounds very familiar to my ppls songwriting..

[@urzsulaz2604]

00:49 🎶Baetê 🎶Baetê🎶 A luz que brilha no meu caminho Brilha em mim Brilha em você 🙌

[@kimberlymarcott1899]

So Amazing! Absolutely love him and everything he stands for Love of Nature is so huge!! He Speaks truth!

[@Alexon_acid]

Ele é muito coragouso por ter ido lá para falar sobreoque s'esta passando nos teretorios dos tribos! tem todo meu respeito. He's very couragous for having went there to talk about the current situation in these tribal areas. He has all my respects.

[@PuffinPsychologist]

Not sure if you will see this Nixiwaka, but if you do: You and your people do have so much to share with the world and to teach us. Thank you for sharing your story, heritage, culture, and message. As an American (Someone from a different country and culture). I wish I had the money and the means to travel. At this moment I cannot. Not yet but, one day I will visit yours and/or other’s tribes, both in Brazil and around the world to learn and live the culture. I promise to fulfill this dream and I hope someone like you will be there to guide me. And teach me the ways of your culture. You came into our own society & culture. Learned our language just to relay a simple but important message. You went so far out of your comfort zone and so much more. This has inspired me to travel and do the same. When I am able and have the means I want to learn and be aware of those who I share this planet with. I’m sure there will be hesitation. But I am confident after seeing you and hearing about many obstacles and fears you overcame. Just to educate us. I know that I can do the same by learning about yours and other’s cultures first hand. In the meantime… Myself, along with many others will gladly listen and do our very best to respect nature and honor your people. We want to listen and learn. Please don’t stop spreading your message.

[@NoojillaSrinivasWriter]

How beautifully you responded. Positive vibes from the hearts and minds like yours will surely help these indigenous people survive and help us, the other world, survive. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.... Noojilla Srinivas from India

[@cwang9945]

He so impressive and I never thought he is that much kind.

[@brotherQ]

Beautiful human being.

[@mywingedwords]

what a wise wonderful man - I pray we listen to his wisdom

[@intlicht]

Salve Mae Natureza...

[@marianaturaluna6306]

Nixiwaka Yawanawá: tu podrías ser modelo o actor. Tienes sabiduría y profundidad. Es seguro que debes transmitir y representar bien a tu cultura! Congrats!

[@smileyface852]

wow what a great representative for the indigenous people!

[@user-qz5gi4uh6x]

Ready to evolve... what a fantastic realisation. So sad that we often ignore the spirit call to evolve.

[@brianperkins6121]

Thank you for sharing .

[@prettyhollypolly7553]

His voice is relaxing

[@EspenFrafalne]

Was that some shamanic singing in the start - or did i just imagine that the words were healing, and felt a very positive sensation that i have never felt before???

[@JSampson1991]

You are right. It is a shaman. Was it a woman? Shawoman?

[@kaitlyn_resonant_wizard_6867]

Espen Haug all singing has power to heal the vibration of sound can heal, and inspire. it can effect the way we feel in a positive way or negative. we are beings of vibration, so we respond to the vibration of sound. (this is why sound therapy works so well). the ancient civilisations knew this hence Egypts solfeggio frequencies, India s mantras, Himalayan s singing bowls, shaman s chanting, drumming, flutes and rattles ect.

[@urzsulaz2604]

Gratidão 🙏🙏🙏

[@lacrimacristi]

Prefered him with long hair. Wondering where he is now. Can't imagine what happened to his tribe in this 6 years🙏.

[@michaelangelo9871]

When will we listen to you!!!! Why won't we listen to you? You live the life of love and harmony with all. I send you love and peice.

[@naomimariaclarke]

amazing message!

[@angelxxxblack9313]

Amazing man

[@hollyivins1668]

Amazon rain forest is the lungs of the earth . It breaths air in and breaths air out

[@Dance_of_a_tree_called_life]

a human being ... a Prince raised by Mãe Terra, a part of the few heroes representing the Land, saving her. But he can't do it alone , we are part of the solution.

[@blindingshadow3463]

He grew up admiring the Shamans. Now he is a great Shaman. I hear you Ni.

[@MychelleSeymourHeyyouremember]

This man is a true earthling.

[@aarontufts2511]

I would enjoy hanging out with this guy and his people I think.

[@hollyivins1668]

With out it we will all surely die from no fresh air to breath so please listen to the indigenous people from the land

[@Bewefau]

greetings from your brothers from NA on the west cost ^^/

[@AD-qq6rz]

I pray for him and his tribal people. They need to preseve their ways of life. Amazon Rain Forest Is Amazing! 🐛🐜🌹🐈🐢🐠 This man is a Big Blessing to his tribal. Indigenous people... He is Bringing awareness of their culture, history and importance to preserve it. RAIN FOREST!🐢🐒🐠🐜🌹 THEY SURVIVE WITH NO NEED FOR MONEY !! 🤑🤑 $$ ONLY!! LIVING ON GOD GOOD GRACE'S EVERYDAY !! He is a very brave and strong man. Coming to a different continent, country to live in. LEAVING HIS WAY OF DAILY LIFE ! IN NATURE... London is an enormous place , city for a major change of environment. For this great man! LIVING IN THE NATURE..

[@BledaRassmar]

Nixiwaka was educating people about ayahuasca before it was hip and trendy.

[@urzsulaz2604]

Baetê Baetê A luz q brilha em mim brilha em você 💕🙌

[@lowlfi11]

Isn't he wonderful ❤

[@cwang9945]

100%

[@albacervera9933]

Hi Nixiwaka my name is Alba I live in Córdoba capital Argentina. A month ago happend something very strange to me .I had a vivid comouful dream. I was, in my Dream, un a beautiful beach satélite in the sand ,the waves came very near me and the water drained in the sand just in front of me. All of a sudden the in the water came many Stingreys but as soon as they touched the sand around me the became the image of an indian ,just like you with the excact feather's head arrangement well I was amazed witt all the images of you around me ,in this dream, and at this moment I'm trying to figured out which is the meaning of this so vivid and colouful dream and in trying to find an answer surfing the internet I saw you in this conferencia and it is my last intent or at least in the internet to guess the meaning or the conextion with your tribe Please of you can at least have a clue to tell me something related to these I will be very happy to read and learn what you have to teach me .thank you thank you in advance.

[@keith.anthony.infinity.h]

I am so willing to learn more about Indigenous Amazonian culture and history. Apparently I have Native American ancestry but it is not in North America it is entirely in the Indigenous Amazon community. Which was a huge shocker for me.

[@mariadefatimacorreacoelhof3244]

É compreensível que muitas tribos ainda temam os ¨¨brancos¨¨, nem sempre seus objetivos e suas aproximações são bem intencionadas, com exceções, naturalmente. A presença de você em Londres é positiva para eles e para toda a humanidade, visto que seu objetivo maior - além de demonstrar que são pacíficos, ao contrário de algumas difamações -, é a defesa da natureza, que é uma meta absolutamente racional e não apenas sentimental. A vida e a importância do meio ambiente diz respeito a todos nós. Obrigada por suas palestras e por levar aos outros povos e também aos indigestos inimigos brasileiros, que suas motivações dignas e realmente merecem todo o respeito e atenção das comunidades também internacionais. Obrigada.

[@magalybatistadossantos2501]

More and more new informations

[@yanhammond5744]

You need to go on global news channels I hope they hear your call

[@xEsmeew]

Thank you

[@jerricho11]

It's amazing how preoccupied people in the comments are with his hair. When it was long he probably got comments about why he doesn't cut it. Now that it's short people want to know why he cut it. Poor guy, just can't win. That said, the man's hair was gorgeous. He's no less of an amazing orator and person with short hair but their's good reason people are mourning the loss of those glorious locks.

[@MikitaChristian777]

sign me up! ill swim there if i have to

[@milekrizman]

Let's revive all indigenous languages in Americas

[@spg77777]

I wish you well...

[@magalybatistadossantos2501]

Áudio very slow. Pelas, outloud the vídeos.

[@kjames1414]

Be well

[@maloumg]

What happened to your hair? It was gorgeous, why cut it? do not assimilate into the western ways, keep always the true you.

[@bradencharley8125]

Malou Guzman I agree. I am Navajo and watching the amazon Indians go through this is providing me a glimpse of what the USA did to the North America tribes. It’s very interesting and stimulating questions.

[@eversnajera]

If you notice, he said his father died a couple years ago. That’s the only time I cut my hair as an indigenous person. To mourn. Last time I cut my braid off was to give it to my mami as a crown for her journey to the next life almost four years ago now but it took a while to grow back. About as much time as it takes to not feel a gut punch when you hear their name, and start to remember their beauty instead of feel the pain of losing them.

[@blindingshadow3463]

This is not your hair to grow....

[@jonatasmendonca2079]

@William Santos Not all of them, I come from Maranhão, and the tribes their used to grow long hair even in men... The Tupinambas wore long hair too!

[@makayla0211]

Hello, Nixiwaka.I’m from Taiwan.Could I translation your speech and web to Chinese to support you and your tribe.

[@theothersidenumber9307]

I'm standing too.

[@ladybea7716]

Imagine what would happened if many political and economical leaders of the world would have taken ayahuasca....

[@772ggb]

The peace that he has. When he speaks. His determination to learn other language. His pose, his simplicity. His message, his tranquility. His views of life and nature. What not to learn from him? Oh no... but we no time, we have tik tok and what not 😂

[@rebelstarrhaircolor998]

Ugh I truly love and respect this soul,what a scary task to come out to this disstructive world and speak to the fo called white man. obsessions . so very thankful for Ted Talks platform for these types of differences to be safely expressed and how much this will help OurWorld I hope . I am disappointed almost every day of my life from what I see going on around me but I still remain to be hopeful because theme exposed to these things through TED Talks ! much love and positive vibes sent out 2 all

[@morganzazow5355]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@precolombinostate]

💚🍃🌿🌱🌳🙏

[@angelxxxblack9313]

Marry me please great powerful message of earth healings and empowerment of sacred mother Earth

[@zorubark]

Humans may have escpaed nature by building homes and them cities to comfort them from the harsh enviroment we never stopped being animals, we never stopped liking being in nature, and we never stopped having instincs.

[@lolableu4343]

What happened to your gorgeous mane? Thanks for educating us.

[@elzee5117]

That jawline gives me Johnny Depp vibes 😍

[@indoororchidsandtropicals358]

If you REALLY care, you'll figure out what YOU can do on a daily basis to do your part. Go find a carbon footprint calculator, answer the questions honestly, and see what you can do. Grow your own food or buy local as much as possible. That is a huge huge part of it.

[@KrisTina-hi8ik]

Pretty 😍

[@ivansawyergarcia3289]

haux haux !

[@ninaw.3440]

why ?

[@amritkaurkhalsa5345]

So interesting to see this video after I saw the one where he has long hair, his talk is more fluent, so I think difference comes from.... and that is a pitti, that he already lost his long hair which gave him his more fluent talk and intuition and which connects him with earth :(

[@ellieg9099]

Amrit Kaur Khalsa He's not Sampson from the Bible, bro. His hair is not where his strength of character lies.

[@colleennewholy9026]

Honey Puffs We believe that your hair is still something that is sacred and connects you to your ancestors.

[@raquelf.1962]

I love his message.. I wish he had kept his long hair though.

[@theothersidenumber9307]

Humanity cant survive losing the amazon rain forest.

[@urzsulaz2604]

Haux

[@visalprak1625]

Forest no just beautiful and source of food but god army for kelp people in the earth too

[@dorotakordylewicz8760]

Witaj 😁🌈🍀🌷❤💋👍pozdrawiam ciepło z Polski Dorota

[@urwife3125]

And now the amazon RAINforest is burning .

[@KheglenAnn]

You all can feel wise and touching the beauty by listening to an Indigenous, you can think that you serve the justice and the forest and help the natural people in their struggle, but the truth is more pragmatic : if you do not stop eating meat and meat byproducts, you will be responsible for the death of this suffering Earth. Why do you listen, in fact ? I say that as the wide of an Ojibway Man.

[@marios7554]

He look more handsome with long hair

[@magalybatistadossantos2501]

vídeos why are your videos always so low? please turn up the volume. We really like your videos. We deserve quality on your videos. OK

[@kisahnalahnpoveda9068]

Tinki pali Tawira nani kyamka wina

[@canocano5480]

Very handsome looking man

[@desireeespinosa3954]

I am only a few seconds in… and I see he is in mourning. I hope you are well now, but I fear you are not

[@annhanna6543]

Isn't he gorgeous? I would have loved to have heard more teachings from him

[@Pielobyte]

ann hanna he’s a person not a pretty bird

[@annhanna6543]

Eva Jerris And people can’t be gorgeous? I was talking about his soul you complete snowflake.

[@christenabergemann197]

I'm very sad to see that he cut his hair..maybe because of the influence our 'white' culture.. while he's here among us raising awareness about destruction of native lands & a call to protect & preserve their lands, the rainforests, all of nature & land..& indigenous cultures & people worldwide..... His hair was gorgeous & long in his previous Ted X Talk. I've read documentation that Native American's long hair (or anyone's) creates a greater connection w/ Nature & allows them to "hear & sense" danger.. from the earth itself..& that cutting it cuts off that natural strong connection w/ the earth & the ability to "sense" things being in harmony w/ it...which you can't otherwise sense. I'll try to find this article link I read yrs. ago. I think the comparison was documented when Native Americans entered the Army & had to cut hair to do so, & they lost their keen tracking ability without their long hair..when it was cut. I think I found article in connection w/ famous natural hair stylist who loves & promotes long hair & hair growth & started his own natural hair shampoo line later in life...forget his name..he's on KZbin..

[@goolamsaber1466]

Haux Haux humano

[@maretupi]

gringos love these theatrical figures.

[@MrDantescom]

Bobão...tu deve ser um bolsominion perdido por aqui !

[@lgndnhswnmnd]

Shame he doesn't mention the indigenous people of America

[@chimcham6762]

El Rey Why would he? His purpose is to bring awareness for the plight of his people and the destruction of his home. Although the organisation he works for/with works with other indigenous communities such as one’s in South Africa, Botswana and other places.

[@lgndnhswnmnd]

That's good. Enjoyed the post.

[@rosalinemartin3199]

why did you cut your hair

[@ninaw.3440]

Maybe he was looking for a job and they asked him to...

[@user-qi9de3jo7n]

that's sad..

[@amandadasilveiraneves4430]

Is this still acceptable? I would not make business/buy services products from a company that forces people to cut their hair. Open your eyes people the way you spend your money is the energy you are putting in this game!!!!! ;)

[@chimcham6762]

Amanda da Silveira Neves Truth you tell but sometimes we have no choice but to adhere to social conventions and norms just to be able to pay bills. I am growing out my locs and unfortunately, it is frowned upon in many working fields. My locs are a part of my spiritual journey and are such an important of my being, I wouldn’t work for any company or employer that would ask me to cut them off! Absolutely not!

[@pedro_marques92]

in their tribe they cut the hair. its normal

[@matthewmann8969]

The Indios get it from everybody but there main oppressors are Pardos, Mestizos, And Blancos

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Thumbs up if you'd like to see him do any future talks shirtless!!

[@mariajosemontenegro1058]

He looks like a Yawanawá version of the artist chayanne

[@yodaddybitchnigga]

This cat is wacker than t hawk from street fighter

[@86abruzzo]

Women leaders are a native American tradition.. women have always been the leaders, they choose a man to lead but the women choose, and if they aren't happy he is removed, so the men leaders make sure to keep the tribe satisfied and listen to what the women ask of him to do.. it's not a Western ideology, it's a tribal ideology

[@hsghhshsh1370]

Yall see a tribal man.. I see Connor Kenway