Yanomami chief Joao Davi Maraxi of Papiu

In order to draw international attention to his people’s desperate situation, Joao Davi Maraxi delivered a speech in front of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York.

He asked the U.N. to support the banning of illegal gold mining in Yanomami territory.

He also demanded medical care for all Yanomami communities.

He concluded his impressive speech with the following words:

Joao Davi Maraxi in New York

We love our
culture and our language
– Please, don‘t forget the Yanomami!

However, life in New York did not agree at all with Joao Davi Maraxi.

After only two days he decided to return to his village of Papiu-Kayanaú