Cacica Jaqueline Haywã of the Pataxó Hã Hã Hãe Kariri Sapuya People in Berlin
Text by Uriara Maciel
September 15th was a sunny day in Berlin, a rather unusual novelty for the final weeks of the European summer, and certainly a beautiful day for many Brazilian women. Especially for the women who came to honor the day's agenda hosted by Janainas. Because that day's program brought the Sun of Brazil, or rather, the Guaraci de Pindorama, the radiant warrior of the Pataxó Hã Hã Hãe Kariri Sapuya people, Cacica Jaqueline Kaywã.
The event featured a documentary screening followed by a discussion, closing with the traditional Toré. Little by little, the space filled up and the diversity became evident: various identities were represented there, and a cunhã energy took over the room. Without a doubt, Cacica Jaqueline brought far more than the program mentioned. With great joy and feminine strength, she brought history, critical thought, wisdom, teachings, words of encouragement, resistance, and deep ancestral power.
In the documentary that bears her name and is directed by Flávio Marin, the Cacica tells part of her journey - from her childhood in southern Bahia, where she lived and experienced her people's traditions, to the diaspora caused by rural violence that affected so many indigenous peoples across Brazil, especially during the 1960s and 70s. In her case, her family migrated to Ribeirão Pires, a city in the ABC Paulista region, where she still lives today. Ironically, it was in this territory that the teacher, mother, and activist definitively reconnected with her indigenous identity. During the Covid pandemic, Jaqueline Kaywã had her origin questioned, even while carrying civil identification proving it. At the time, she found herself having to prove that she was, indeed, an indigenous woman, and decided to map all the indigenous families in that territory. After nine months of intense work, she identified 308 relatives of the Pataxó people, registered them with Funai, and initiated a rights movement in the region. Today, established as Cacica, she is respected by residents and local authorities. Her leadership has secured victories such as the installation of three health posts dedicated to indigenous care, and the acquisition of land for the construction of the first Pataxó Hã Hã Hãe Cultural Center in ABC Paulista.
Another highlight of the evening was the teachings on the reality of urban indigenous territories - long ignored by much of the Brazilian population - and on ancestral symbols like the Cocar (headdress), whose feathers represent the encantados (enchanted spirits), Tupã/God, and the paternal and maternal figures that must be remembered and honored, as well as the knot that represents the unity and collectivity necessary for us to continue existing. Indigenous graphic art, present in body painting, clothing, and objects, was demystified by the Cacica, who clarified that the meaning of each design can communicate a desire, marital status, or even bless, protect, and support those who wear it in difficult times.
There were many lessons, many exchanges of immense power, and - as could not be missing from a gathering of proud Brazilian women - there was sacred dance and singing blessed by the sound of the maracá. Words of power and invocations to Jurema lit up the space and filled hearts, teleporting us to a Brazil full of light and the hope so many of us deeply miss.
Eternal gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this women movement on German soil, for understanding that the ground we walk on, regardless of borders and geographic spaces, can reconnect us to the ancestry that accompanies, guides, and strengthens us.
Long live the Pataxó Warrior Jaqueline Kaywã, and may her journey of struggle continue earning respect and admiration wherever it goes, throughout Brazil and around the world.
September 16th, 2026.
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*This special MCQ edition was held in partnership with Arlete Martins @Art.kulando.Berlin.
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