RELICS OF THE PAST OR ASSETS FOR THE FUTURE?

COMPARING INDIGENOUS TERRITORIES IN CONTEMPORARY BRAZIL AND THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

Indigenous Territories (IT) are increasingly viewed as important
assets in the context of climate change and erosion of biodiversity.
In Brazil however, they are currently under intense pressure
under the pretext of development. Comparing with the situation
of the United States is a good benchmark for what might
come to Brazil. In this perspective, we first present the historical
processes that led to the recognition of IT, then contrast the
structure of IT in both countries from a juridical, administrative
and geographical point of view, and finally point out how issues
related to economic development play out in both cases.