André Baniwa

Biography and Expertise of André Baniwa

André Baniwa represents a crucial link between the ancestral wisdom of Amazonian peoples and the formulation of national public health strategies. As a leader of the Baniwa people, his life and work are deeply embedded in the cultural and ecological landscape of the upper Rio Negro. This region is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse areas on the planet. Therefore, his expertise is not merely academic but stems from a profound connection to his territory and traditions.

His work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto pillars of “Knowledge Diversity” and “Planetary Health.” He is a leading advocate for the concept of “Bem Viver” (Good Living), a holistic indigenous philosophy of life that integrates human health with social harmony and environmental balance. This perspective aligns perfectly with the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Diversity of TCIM Modalities,” by showcasing a comprehensive health system that is inseparable from its cultural and ecological context.

Furthermore, through his role at the Ministry of Health, André Baniwa actively contributes to the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” He works to ensure that the voices and knowledge of indigenous peoples are respected and incorporated into the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), promoting a more inclusive and culturally appropriate approach to healthcare. His efforts are instrumental in advancing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for evidence-informed policies that respect and leverage traditional knowledge for global well-being.

Professional Career and Leadership

The career of André Baniwa reflects his unwavering commitment to his people and the Amazon. His career path is unique, blending grassroots community organizing, formal political representation, and high-level policy consultation. This diverse experience gives him a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities for indigenous peoples in Brazil. Consequently, he has become a respected leader at local, regional, and national levels.

Each position held has been a stepping stone, building upon his skills in advocacy, governance, and environmental stewardship. His journey reflects a deep dedication to creating sustainable futures for indigenous communities.

• Consultant in Indigenous Medicines: At the Indigenous Health Secretariat of the Ministry of Health, he provides expert advice on incorporating traditional healing practices into public health policy.
• Vice-Mayor of São Gabriel da Cachoeira: He served in a key leadership role in one of Brazil’s largest municipalities by area, known for having the highest concentration of indigenous peoples in the country.
• Vice-President of FOIRN: He held a leadership position at the Federação das Organizações Indígenas do Rio Negro, one of the most significant and influential indigenous federations in the Brazilian Amazon.
• President of OIBI: As president of the Organização Indígena da Bacia do Içana, he led grassroots efforts to promote community rights, cultural preservation, and sustainable development for the Baniwa and Koripako peoples.
• Social Entrepreneur and Technician: His foundational work in agricultural techniques and environmental management provides a practical basis for his advocacy for sustainable livelihoods.

Academic Pursuits and Published Works of André Baniwa

André Baniwa complements his extensive practical experience with formal academic research, bridging the worlds of ancestral knowledge and contemporary scholarship. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainability with Traditional Peoples and Territories at the prestigious University of Brasília (UNB). This program is specifically designed to value and integrate the knowledge of traditional communities into academic discourse, making it a perfect fit for his life’s work. His research contributes to a growing body of scholarship that recognizes indigenous science as vital for creating sustainable futures.

Beyond his academic studies, he is a published author, documenting the philosophy and history of his people for future generations. These works are invaluable resources for understanding indigenous worldviews on health and governance.

Authored Books

• 25 anos do associativismos da OIBI para o bem viver Baniwa e Koripako: This book, whose title translates to “25 years of OIBI’s associativism for the Good Living of the Baniwa and Koripako peoples,” chronicles the history of his local indigenous organization and its role in promoting community well-being.
• Bem Viver e Viver Bem segundo o povo Baniwa no noroeste da Amazônia Brasileira: Translating to “Good Living and Living Well according to the Baniwa people in the northwest of the Brazilian Amazon,” this work delves into the philosophical underpinnings of the “Bem Viver” concept, offering it as a holistic model for a balanced and healthy life.

Contributions to Indigenous Health and Sustainability

The contributions of André Baniwa to public health are centered on the powerful intersection of traditional knowledge and official policy. As a Consultant in Indigenous Medicines, his work involves creating pathways for the official recognition and respectful integration of traditional healing practices, such as the use of medicinal plants and the role of traditional healers (Pajés), within the National Policy for Integral Health of Indigenous Peoples (PNASPI). This effort is a direct implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy’s goals at a national level.

He champions a vision of health that extends far beyond the biomedical model. By promoting the “Bem Viver” philosophy, he advocates for a public health approach that considers spiritual well-being, cultural integrity, territorial rights, and environmental health as inseparable components of individual and collective wellness. Therefore, his work contributes to the congress’s focus on “Well-being Societies” by offering a time-tested, community-centered framework for health promotion.

His role is also one of a cultural translator, articulating the nuances of indigenous health concepts to non-indigenous policymakers and health professionals. André Baniwa works to decolonize healthcare, ensuring that public services are not only accessible but also culturally safe and relevant for the diverse indigenous populations of Brazil. This is a critical step towards achieving health equity and social justice.

Connect with André Baniwa

To deepen your understanding of the work and advocacy of André Baniwa, you can consult his academic record and the organizations central to his career. These resources offer valuable context on his contributions to indigenous rights, health, and sustainability in the Amazon region.

ORCID Profile: View Academic and Research Profile

Federação das Organizações Indígenas do Rio Negro (FOIRN): Learn about the Rio Negro Indigenous Federation