Indigenous Peoples Day
April 19 is the day of Indigenous Peoples, previously known as Indian Day in Brazil. The date aims to celebrate the culture, rights and resistance of indigenous peoples, in addition to promoting reflection on issues involving these groups, such as the preservation of their lands, the appreciation of their traditions and the fight against forms of discrimination and marginalization.
The choice of the day dates back to 1940, during the Inter-American Indigenous Congress, held in Mexico, where April 19 was established as the symbolic date for the recognition of indigenous peoples in the Americas. In Brazil, this date was made official in 1943, by then president Getúlio Vargas.
Despite the name Indian Day, the term has been increasingly criticized for being considered inappropriate and generalist. The name Indigenous Peoples' Day seeks to value the identities and diversity of the various ethnic groups that make up indigenous populations.
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