Mundos que se transforman. Lo que queda de los Avá Guaraní de Paraguay en el siglo XXI

Resumo

The majority of the indigenous cultures of the planet, independently of the geographical area have common problems that are related to the global dominance of the capitalist system and the neoliberal policies that result in the uncontrolled exploitation of the natural environment, the loss of traditional lands, the increase in the social inequalities and all forms of cultural, physical, structural violences and “social suffering” (Kleinman, et al., 1997). There are a number of indigenous communities in Paraguay that, during the years have been moving geographically due to the public constructions, lack of food, and contamination. Some communities had to migrate to big cities to find a better life. Others have seen how their territory has been shrinking more and more, falling into the hands of soybean manufacturers and Brazilian companies. Some were even violently expelled, such as the case of certain communities in Alto Paraná, as a direct consequence of the Itaipú dam construction. The Stroessner dictatorship showed the toughest and most inhuman attitudes towards the indigenous people. In a similar way to the governments of the democratic period which began from the fall of the dictator Stroessner 1989 until today, despite the existence of laws that promulgate respect for cultural diversity, among other aspects which intend to protect their original essence, these governments do not seem to deviate from the imaginary line that Stroessner was drawing, showing indifference, ignorance and incompetence. We were in three Avá Guarani indigenous communities in Paraguay, carrying out an ethnography using the qualitative method, in situ research, generating a considerable volume of material and information; made up of personal and group interviews, life stories, photographs, sound and video recordings. Our objective is to investigate the situation of the Avá Guaraní communities in the current social, political, economic and cultural context and to know the continuities and transformations that may have occurred in their current way of life. In the end, what is left of their culture? Is there any chance of survival for the indigenous communities Avá Guaraní? We will attempt to find the answer to this question and others that arise from our concern and personal interest through the existing bibliography, what we experienced firsthand in the communities themselves, with the long conversations held with them. There is heavy concern for these worlds that are transformed and seem to be lost in a maelstrom of cultural changes, in their social, political, economic and environmental organization.