"The Parana River, which rises in Brazil and flows south through Paraguay, once structured the lives of Ava-Guarani people along its banks. That continuity was broken in the 1970s with the construction of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam, which submerged their lands and displaced hundreds of families."
"Fifty years on, the Ava-Guarani, part of the Guarani people living in regions of Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, are still fighting for justice. A Brazilian court agreement in 2025 secured partial reparations, but Indigenous leaders say the measures fall short of true territorial recognition."
"This is not just about historical land dispossession. The Guarani were deprived of territory, culture, and their identity, highlighting the ongoing impact of the dam's construction on their community."
The construction of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam in the 1970s submerged lands and displaced hundreds of Ava-Guarani families in Ocoy-Jacutinga. The dam, one of the largest in the world, is viewed as a clean-energy project by Brazil and Paraguay. However, for Indigenous communities, it marked a significant rupture with their territory. Despite a 2025 court agreement providing partial reparations, including land and a public apology, Indigenous leaders argue these measures do not adequately address the loss of territory, culture, and identity experienced by the Guarani people.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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