Indigenous leaders rally in Brasilia as land disputes and mining pressures grow

About 7,000 Indigenous people from roughly 200 groups are gathered in Brasilia for the 22nd Free Land encampment, and government representatives said they will take part in hearings at the event during the week.

Indigenous leaders and supporters have gathered in Brasilia for the 22nd annual Free Land encampment, marching toward the Three Powers Square and setting up a weeklong camp near government ministries. Free Land is described as Brazil's largest Indigenous mobilization, bringing together about 7,000 people from roughly 200 groups to press unified demands. The event comes amid rising reports of attacks and intensified disputes over land and proposed mining projects in several states. Organizers held assemblies and asked participants about government actions on land demarcation and other issues affecting Indigenous territories. Key facts: - The encampment is the 22nd Free Land mobilization and reportedly includes about 7,000 participants from around 200 Indigenous groups. - Organizers say the gathering aims to present unified demands about land demarcation and responses to mining and infrastructure projects that affect Indigenous territories. - The article reports rising incidents tied to land disputes, including attacks alleged against the Pataxo in Bahia and protests in parts of the Amazon region. - Members of the administration, including the minister of Indigenous Peoples, told Indigenous leaders they would take part in hearings held at the encampment this week; an invitation to President Lula had not been confirmed as of Monday. Summary: The encampment keeps Indigenous rights and land concerns visible in the national capital amid ongoing disputes and debate over mining and infrastructure in Indigenous territories. Government representatives said they will participate in hearings at the Free Land site this week, while other procedural developments, such as broader legislative action, remain active and evolving.