Indigenous rights, performativity and protest

Protests to claim rights are a common practice among Indigenous peoples of the world, especially when their interests conflict with those of nation states and/or multinational corporations regarding the use of their lands and resources. Drawing on a case study of the National Indigenous Mobilization held in Brasília, Brazil in May 2014, this paper describes how Indigenous protests and strategic actions (e.g., blockades, sit-ins, rallies, marches, and publicity campaigns) are arguably legitimate tactics for Indigenous peoples to seek the attention of a broader audience, establish dialogue with authorities and companies, and to achieve respect for their individual and collective human rights. These forms of community mobilization often occur in contexts where good faith processes (i.e., based on the principle of free, prior and informed consent, FPIC) were not properly implemented. We analyse the use of social media and the role of the mass media in giving visibility to the protests and in assigning or withdrawing broader social legitimacy. Using anthropological performance theory, we consider the political and social context of the Mobilization. Although negative Indigenisms (i.e., akin to Said's concept of Orientalism) are propagated in the media, a key finding is that symbolic actions and/or performative actions (a theatricality of resistance) are essential dimensions of Indigenous protest to achieve objectives. We conclude that Indigenous mobilizations are legitimate and necessary ways for Indigenous peoples to gain respect for their right to self-determination and other individual and collective human rights. Protests can also help in building social capital and ultimately have positive outcomes for the environment and community health and wellbeing.