Enawene Nawe village burned to the ground

The village of the remote Enawene Nawe tribe in Brazil has burned to the ground in a fire, leaving them to rebuild their homes from scratch.

The fire spread by accident from a small cooking fire. It destroyed all the Enawene Nawe’s large communal houses, which are made from straw and wood, and all their possessions including their hammocks and metal cooking pots. Three people were taken to hospital with injuries, and are recovering.

Survival is supporting the Enawene Nawe in their struggle to prevent a series of hydroelectric dams from being built along the Juruena River which runs through their land. They are also campaigning for the Brazilian government to recognise their vital fishing grounds, before they are completely destroyed by deforestation and cattle ranching

The entire Enawene Nawe population of around 500 people live together in one village, called Halataikwa, in the state of Mato Grosso. They are famed for their fishing techniques, and unlike most Amazonian Indians, they eat no red meat.

The local Brazilian organisation, OPAN, and Survival are helping the Enawene Nawe to rebuild their village. If you would like to make a donation please contact [email protected]