Saberes indígenas nas escolas Akwẽ-Xerente

Abstract

This study investigates indigenous knowledge and presents an oral history transmitted by elders as traditional knowledge of the Akwẽ-Xerente people. The objective is to analyze how the recording of Akwẽ-Xerente narratives contributes to the teaching-learning process and cultural preservation in the indigenous school context. To this end, we bring to the table some research produced by indigenous and non-indigenous authors. The research is based on the following question: What do Akwẽ-Xerente narratives reveal about history, social organization and/or other aspects of culture? And, secondarily: What is the importance of oral histories in the Akwẽ-Xerente culture? Can this narrative material, when documented in the Akwẽ language andPortuguese (bilingual), be used for teaching in Xerente indigenous schools? The researchhighlights the urgency of documenting this knowledge, considering that many elders, the mainguardians of oral traditions, are leaving. The results reinforce the importance of strengtheningthe Akwẽ culture, promoting access to this knowledge for future generations, in addition to encouraging new educational practices that value orality and the cultural identity of the Akwẽ.