The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved the establishment of the Indigenous Federal University (Unind), which will now move to the Senate for consideration.
The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has taken a significant step by approving a bill that proposes the creation of the Indigenous Federal University (Unind). This new institution is designed to prioritize the appreciation of Indigenous peoples and aims to foster their education. If passed by the Senate and subsequently sanctioned by President Lula, Unind will begin with ten undergraduate programs and has the potential to offer up to 48 in the future, demonstrating a commitment to expanding higher educational opportunities for Indigenous communities.
The approval also outlines that the university will have its central campus in Brasília, with options for additional campuses across various regions of Brazil. The bill, introduced by Federal Deputy Célia Xakriabá of PSOL-MG, emphasizes the institution's alignment with Ethnoeducational Territories and the guidelines of Indigenous schooling. This approach is intended to ensure that the educational framework respects and integrates Indigenous cultures and knowledge systems.
On social media, Deputy Xakriabá celebrated the approval, highlighting the university's dedication to environmental sustainability alongside its educational mission. The establishment of Unind marks a critical milestone in advancing Indigenous rights and representation in higher education in Brazil, potentially serving as a model for similar initiatives across the country and beyond.
