Playing for Brazilian Indigenous
Engaged EC Bahia supports country indigenous people rights
Brazil’s top-tier soccer side Esporte Clube Bahia released a manifesto video in defense of Indigenous lands. Starring 12 Pataxó Indians, the production gives voice to #DemarcaçãoJá campaign.
“Our match is our fight. Our lives are in dispute”. says Taquari Pataxó on video voice-over.
The video is part of the club’s Abril Indígena (Indigenous April) schedule due the month dedicated to Brazilian natives culture and history.
When they’ll face Londrina for Copa do Brasil next Thursday, players will be wearing jerseys named by historic Indigenous figures as Brazilian legend Mané Garrincha who born from a Fulni-ô people family.
Last weekend, Bahia reached an away draw on minute 107 against Bahia de Feira. The late equalizer was brought by former São Paulo Rogério, a Xucuru Indians grandson.
The nicknamed Esquadrão de Aço (Steel Squadron) reinforces its vanguard position on social agenda. Since creating an affirmative bureau, the club takes part in gender equality and anti-racism initiatives. It’s all about a movement to rescue the most popular football outlet Brazilian North-Northeast region.
To engage on Indigenous territory guarantee is for the ‘Peoples Club’ to represent culture and diversity that forge its values on and off the pitch.
In mid of threats an attacks to minority and civil rights in Brazil, to assume a role in this political debate means defending the tricolor identity in all its shades.
