Brasília, 3/2/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed into law the establishment of an Indian reservation for the Munduruku tribe in the state of Pará. The Indians, totalling 7,000, are now the owners of 2,381,000 hectares.

The land demands of the Munduruku have been winding through red tape since the 1940s. At that time they were awarded 510,000 hectares, which was considered insufficient. In 1977, a government study recognized that the Indians needed much more land and recommended an area near the size they have now finally received almost 30 years later.

The Munduruku are members of the Tupi group and are known as great warriors. The first records of their existence noted their presence between the Madeira and Tocantins river in the XVIII century. The tribe is especially known for its important role in the revolt of the masses, called "A Cabanagem," which began in 1835 when an uprising of poor negroes, Indians and mestizos overthrew the government in the capital city of Pará, Belem. A number of authorities were killed, including the president of the province (state governor). Seeking social justice and equality for all, the rebels were unable to rule because of internal disputes. In 1840 the government destroyed the rebellion, killing an estimated 30,000. Those rebels who survived were arrested and put into slavery. (AB)