Surprise birth renews hope for Akuntsu Amazon tribe

In December, Babawru, one of three surviving Akuntsu women, gave birth to a boy, and officials say the child represents hope for the Akuntsu people and for protection of their territory.

Babawru, the youngest of three surviving Akuntsu women, gave birth to a boy in December. The birth came after decades in which the Akuntsu community was reduced by violent attacks and long isolation. Funai, Brazil's Indigenous protection agency, and specialists who have worked with the women supported the pregnancy and birth. Officials describe the child as a symbol of hope for both the Akuntsu people and the preservation of their forest territory. Known details: - Babawru, one of three surviving Akuntsu women, gave birth to a boy in December. - Joenia Wapichana of Funai and other officials said the child represents hope for the Akuntsu and for protection of their land; linguist Carolina Aragon and Funai provided remote support and translation during the pregnancy and birth. - The Akuntsu live on the Rio Omere Indigenous Land in Rondonia, which Funai granted protection in 2006 and which appears as a forested island amid cleared agricultural land. Summary: Officials say the birth is significant for the cultural continuity of the tiny Akuntsu community and is linked by supporters to efforts to maintain protection of their territory. Funai and neighboring Kanoe people are reported to be assisting the family. Undetermined at this time.