"Surging Indigenous Population in Brazil: Government Reports Nearly Double the Previous Census Count"

Brazil's latest census reveals a significant increase in the Indigenous population, with 1.7 million people now recognized, marking an 89% jump from the previous census in 2010. The increase is attributed to a greater willingness among people to acknowledge their Indigenous roots and improved survey methods. The announcement was made by Minister of Indigenous People Sonia Guajajara during the Amazon Summit, where representatives from eight countries discussed various challenges faced by the Amazon region. Indigenous groups, riverine communities, fishermen, and Afro-descendants participated in discussions on issues such as deforestation, illegal mining, and harassment from carbon credit companies. The summit provided a platform for Indigenous voices to be heard after years of silencing under the previous government. The larger Indigenous population will result in increased government resources for health, education, and security, with plans to expel invaders from Indigenous territories.