Indigenous groups are groups of people who are native to a given region before colonization by Europeans or other peoples. The languages spoken by indigenous peoples are completely unrelated to European languages, coming from different language families and stocks (see our page on languages of Brazil) Their cultures and ways of life in general are also different. Unfortunately, there exists a history of exploitation of indigenous groups by colonizing peoples. In recent decades attitudes toward indigenous peoples have begun to change, and organizations such as SIL have been involved in attempts to preserve the languages and cultures of indigenous peoples around the world.

Group Map

The following is a list of the indigenous groups of Brazil for which SIL has information. Each group has its own page on this site which contains specific information about the group. A map has been provided which shows where these groups are located.

* SIL programs already completed, only needing short visits by the team and help with education programs.

** SIL programs which have been discontinued for various reasons.

For more information about indigenous peoples in general, visit the SIL Ethnologue.