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Chief Raoni points finger at SESAI secretary and demands that measures be taken for indigenous health in Colíder

On Tuesday afternoon (28-04), in Brasilia Special Secretary for Indigenous Health Antônio Alves de Souza met with leaders of the indigenous Kayapó people. They discussed the proposal to strengthen healthcare in the Special Indigenous Health District (DSEI) in Kayapó, Mato Grosso. The meeting took place in the Emílio Ribas Hall at the Ministry of Health and was attended by senator Wellington Fagundes (PR/MT).

One of the main Kayapó leaders, Chief Raoni Metuktire, presented claims made by the group, emphasizing the major demands of indigenous people one by one: “we need to work together to solve health problems in our communities. SESAI can count on us as leaders of the community”, he stated.

In response to each matter raised by the Kayapó representatives, Antônio Alves noted that a SESAI team had been on site to assess the improvements that must be made in order to reorganize work processes and increase DSEI efficiency. “One point already highlighted for example, is a simple but important question. We need to ensure that there is more collaboration between Kayapó leaders and our healthcare teams”, he commented.

The secretary also underlined Pasta’s investments in DSEI Kayapó Mato Grosso. “In 2014, the budget allocated to the region was roughly R$ 22 million. Almost half this sum, R$ 10 million, was spent on hiring professionals, which has been the main and continual demand of indigenous peoples”, Alves added.

This year DSEI is to receive the same amount of resources, in addition to the budget aimed at completing works in progress. On Tuesday morning (28-04), a team was sent to Capoto village, where they are building a health post. New computers will also be introduced in the area and in indigenous health centres (Casai).

Raoni points finger at SESAI secretary:

One of Roani’s requests is for the resignation of DSEI coordinator Sanna Rochelle. However, Alves stated that this was not possible. This was when tensions rose and the Chief pointed his finger at the Secretary’s face saying, “You are a man. Look into my eyes and answer me”.

The fight for this resignation began in February. Indigenous people blockaded BR 163 for almost two weeks but still there was no withdrawal. There has since been dialogue with Indigenous people.

Dialogue:

Antônio Alves concluded the meeting by a reminder of the permanent dialogue between SESAI and all the indigenous leaders, adding that there was no need to intervene and suspend activities in either districts or health centres.

“We are open to debate and always in search of improvement. The inappropriate occupation of buildings, such as that which recently took place in said location, only makes our work more complicated. We suffered serious management problems during the two months in which activities were disrupted”, the secretary concluded.

The meeting was also attended by the head of the SESAI cabinet, Daniel Lacerda; Social Control officer, Bianca Moura; head of the Building and Indigenous Healthcare Department, Flávio Norberto; the secretary’s Primary Healthcare coordinator, Vera Bacelar; the replacement head of the Indigenous Health Management Departament, Thiago Fernandes, and representatives of senator Wellington Fagundes (PR/MT) and deputy Nilton Leitão’s offices (PSDB/MT).

© Olharcidade - translated by Felix Charnley / original article