Brazil, Indigenous Education in

The indigenous peoples of Brazil are very diverse ethnically and sociolinguistically. Since 1988, they have had a constitutional right to have their own schools in a system parallel to mainstream education in Brazil. Before that, there were many approaches to indigenous education, including both official and unofficial initiatives. Today, indigenous education at the primary, secondary, and university levels is aimed at meeting the needs [Page 259]and honoring the wishes of the people. Indigenous education in Brazil has evolved through struggle from imposition within an integrationist view to a bottom-up movement respectful of cultures, languages, and traditions. As a result of indigenous and pro-indigenous mobilization and affirmative action, it has a new beginning, though there are many challenges to be faced by indigenous and nonindigenous peoples. This entry describes the indigenous peoples of Brazil and the evolution of Brazil's system of indigenous school education. The term indigenous school education is used in contrast with indigenous education, the latter being the education that has always been part of the lives of each one of the indigenous peoples in the country. The education of indigenous groups in Brazil shares some significant similarities with the education of indigenous groups in other nations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.