When I Grow Up I Want to Be an Indian

Abstract

This essay examines ideas surrounding growth, based on experiential insights gained by the author while staying with indigenous leaders of the Kariri-Xoco in Northeastern Brazil as part of an artistic residency organised by Thydewa (NGO). This is not an ethnographic study, but a reflection into indigenous modes of learning through co-participation in the lifeworld, and how these learnings can help enrich a contemporary ontological debate on animism and indigeneity beyond identitary frameworks. The work also touches on a critique of developmentalism, through indigenous ideas concerning growth and change. Some insights into the performing arts practice developed with the Kariri-Xoco as part of the residency are also touched upon.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my friend and University of Leeds colleague Thea Pitman, who curated Arte Eletrônica Indigena. I would also like to thank Sebastian Gerlic (Director of NGO Thydewa) for the wonderful experiences shared in Alagoas, and in the UK. I also would like to thank our Pankararu friends Maria and Itiã, and the whole Karirí-Xocó community, especially Tawanã, Pawanã, Nhenety, Claudia, her children and all those who performed on Eles Estão Escutando, our piece of video performance.