Reflections of an Akwẽ Xerente on cultural marginalization and discrimination against indigenous people, in the pursuit of quality education

Abstract

This article originates from a master's thesis entitled "The Portuguese Language: Challenges and Paths of Akwẽ Xerente Indigenous Students in Undergraduate Courses at the Federal University of Tocantins/Porto Nacional Campus – TO." In this excerpt, we will focus on a research question, aiming to engage with the concerns of an Indigenous person who embraces resistance as a motto: To what extent do cultural marginalization and discrimination against Indigenous people hinder quality education? We do not seek answers, but rather to highlight the concerns of an Akwẽ Xerente Indigenous student and professor who experiences and perceives daily how Indigenous people are exposed in their interactions with non-Indigenous people. This is a qualitative research based on the 1988 Federal Constitution and draws on the following authors: Krenak (2019); Baniwa (2013); Ferreira (2004); and Freire (1996). As a result of the study, a dialogue is presented that invites readers to resist with words. This is one of my aspirations.