The Guardian of the Forest

Ivaneide was born in Acre on June 17, 1959. A year later, her father tried to make a living in the rubber ranch Ricardo Franco and the whole family moved to Rondônia. Neidinha grew up in the forest and has dedicated her life to protect her home, the Amazon.

Far from the city, Neidinha was taught to read by her mother, with books about the American Wild West. The books has gave rise to revolt and indignation: why did the Indians always die in the stories? But it also sowed sensitivity, which made her write poetry and connect even more with nature.

As an indigenous warrior, Kanindé grew strong and ran through the forest. In addition to Rondônia, the organization also started working with groups from other regions, such as the Juma from Amazonas, the Zoró from Mato Grosso, the Wai wai from Pará, etc. Since its birth, the entity has already carried out projects with more than 60 ethnic groups.

But for all those who destroy the forest, she is an enemy. Ivaneide has already suffered countless death threats by gold miners, illegal loggers and invaders. For a time, the situation was so critical that her whole family had to be escorted by the Federal Police. However, the fight never stopped. Today, almost 60 years old, Neidinha still enters the woods and walks for hours with the Indians to expel invaders from their lands.