The Pluriethnic
Indigenous University
PLURIETHNIC INDIGENOUS UNIVERSITY, RIO DE JANEIRO​
The Pluriethnic Indigenous University, best known for its location at Maracanã Village on an indigenous sacred site in the heart of Rio, is a pioneering institution dedicated to serving the urban Indigenous population of Brazil. Representing over 26 indigenous communities, as well as the 60% of Indigenous people who live outside of the forests, this center for education and cultural preservation also serves as an Indigenous Embassy, advocating for the rights of Nature and of Indigenous cultures worldwide.
The institute offers an array of courses that span Indigenous languages, agro-ecology, environmental education, arts, theater, and social impact -- all rooted in ancestral knowledge. Since 20 years, the institution has thrived as a living museum and sanctuary, showcasing and disseminating Indigenous culture, history, and knowledge through its courses and community interactions. It regularly hosts international congresses and seminars, attracting eminent scholars, politicians, artists and activists to discuss and shape the future of Indigenous rights. Notable visitors include prominent figures from various international communities, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas and strengthening the university’s role as a hub for Indigenous advocacy. The university's role extends beyond education to serve as an embassy, a place where Indigenous voices can articulate their needs and rights, engaging directly with governmental and international bodies. This dual function emphasizes the university's commitment to fostering a space where Indigenous cultural practices are not only taught but also actively practiced and integrated into broader societal frameworks.​​
Built next to the famed Maracanã stadium, atop an indigenous graveyard and former indigenous enslaved prison, the abandoned Indian Museum was reclaimed in 2006 by representatives from various Indigenous ethnic groups, aligned with broader social and labor movements. The site received international headlines in 2013 when the state government's military police violently tried to evict its Indigenous community, in order to build a parking lot for the World Cup, despite lacking legal eviction orders. Today it thrives as a living museum, a meeting place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous, a language school for different tribal dialects, and school of Indigenous art.
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​The university's establishment and ongoing activities challenge the typical narratives and structures imposed by colonial educational systems. It is managed autonomously by Indigenous people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, ensuring that no single group dominates and that the university's operations reflect a truly pluriethnic and decolonized approach. This structure not only empowers the Indigenous community within but also sets a precedent for how Indigenous educational institutions can function independently of state and traditional academic frameworks.​
The university helps to bridge the gap between traditional Indigenous lifestyles and urban living, providing a space where urban Indigenous peoples can reconnect with their heritage, learn from each other, and strengthen communal ties.​ It stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Brazil's Indigenous communities, advocating for their rightful place in the national and international dialogue on Indigenous rights.​
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