In all, 29 women went through the training course to participate in the volunteer brigade. They will work in 94 villages of the Xerente ethnic group, in Tocantínia.
By Igor Pires and Jesana de Jesus, Anhanguera TV and G1 Tocantins
A brigade formed by 29 indigenous women of the Xerente ethnic group will help in raising awareness and fighting fires inside and outside the villages that are located in the municipality of Tocantínia, about 80 km from Palmas.
It is another extremely important tool in defense of nature. I'm sure they will be contributing to guaranteeing the fruits of the cerrado", said the village cacique Paulo Cesar Wawekrure.
The work of the indigenous women is voluntary. To qualify themselves, they went through a training course. "For us, it is an honor to be collaborating with nature, in the prevention of the environment, also contributing to sustainable management, which are the fruits of the cerrado", said Hireki da Mata.
In Tocantínia, there are 94 villages of the Xerente ethnic group. The group has already traveled through almost half of them taking information. The fight against forest fires has also started. The brigade will receive mufflers and water pumps for the back.
"When we went into the actual fight and when we saw the fire destroying everything, we women went in and put it out, my feeling was sadness to see that it is so unnecessary to set fire. There was a moment when tears came out of our eyes, because we need to change our minds," said the Squadron Leader Vanessa Sidi.
"We see that nature is so beautiful, so why do we as women feel the need to be together with the community helping", explained Xerente firefighter Ana Shelley.
"For us this is the kickoff. What's better than a preserved environment? This brings us peace of mind, what are we without the environment?" said firefighter Lariene Sokimadi.
From January until this Sunday, 7,043 fires were registered throughout the state, 8% more than in the same period in 2020, according to the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe).
The months of August and September register the highest rates of fires. The dry weather, low humidity, strong wind and temperature, which can exceed 40ºC, are fuel for the fire and help to spread the flames more quickly.
