Struggle of Retomadas Led by Chief Nailton Pataxó of the Distinguished Pataxó Hã Hã Hãe Peoples, as Described by the Chief Himself
In the heart of Brazil, Chief Nailton Muniz Pataxó stands as an emblematic figure in the Indigenous movement, particularly in the state of Bahia. Born amidst traditional farming practices and community life, Chief Nailton's life and work embody the wisdom of Elders and the strength of those who never surrendered.
Chief Nailton's journey began in the 1980s, when he became a leading figure in the fight to reclaim the ancestral Pataxo territory. His efforts culminated in a significant historical achievement for the Brazilian Indigenous movement, as he contributed to the recognition of Indigenous Peoples as subjects of rights in the 1988 Constitution.
The pedagogy of struggle and reclaiming, as taught by Chief Nailton, has strengthened the Pataxo youth. This teaching has empowered them to continue occupying, denouncing, and caring for the territory. The pedagogy has been instrumental in fostering a new generation of warriors and organizers.
In 2012, the Rio Pardo territory was successfully recovered by Chief Nailton and the Pataxo People, leading to a Supreme Federal Court ruling on the title nullification lawsuit. This victory was a testament to Chief Nailton's unwavering commitment to repossessions in several regions in Bahia.
However, Chief Nailton's journey has not been without tragedy. He experienced a tragic loss with the death of his sister and the shaman Nega Pataxo, who were shot by farmers during a reclamation in 2024. Despite this, Chief Nailton continues to advocate for the protection of indigenous lands and supports the demarcation of ancestral territories in Bahia, opposing illegal land invasions and promoting indigenous rights in 2025.
Chief Nailton is not just a leader; he is a living example that reclaiming is not just occupying: it is re-existing, with dignity, in time and territory. His life story is closely tied to the resistance, reoccupation, and territorial affirmation of the Pataxo People on the CaramuruCatarina Paraguaçu Indigenous Land in Pau Brasil, southern Bahia.
In addition to his political work, Chief Nailton is actively involved in the spiritual and political development of young people. He is considered an ancestral voice of the Retomadas (Reclaimed Lands) and a link between the Elders' memories, the Encantados (Enchanted Lands), and the future of new generations.
Upon recovering from an attack, Chief Nailton declared, "This is Indigenous land! Farmers will not return here!" This statement encapsulates his unyielding spirit and commitment to the cause. Chief Nailton's life continues to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for the Indigenous communities in Brazil.
