Manual by indigenous journalists guides coverage of native peoples

Indigenous journalists in Brazil have introduced a groundbreaking manual designed to shape how the media covers indigenous communities. Launched by the Brazilian Articulation of Indigenous Journalists (Abrinjor), the "Poranga Marandúa – Manual de Redação do Jornalismo Indígena" (Poranga Marandúa – Indigenous Journalism Style Manual) provides essential guidance for communication professionals.

“

The material gathers guidelines on practices, concepts, and approaches for coverage and seeks to combat stereotypes, racism, invisibility, and inadequate representations of indigenous peoples in the press.

The manual's core objective is to ensure that reporting on indigenous peoples is framed from their own perspectives, actively combating stereotypes, racism, invisibility, and misrepresentations prevalent in the press. Developed collaboratively by indigenous professionals in communication, journalism, and research, the document underwent extensive discussion and validation by 68 members from 46 different indigenous groups across Brazil.

"Poranga Marandúa" is divided into two main sections. The first offers a historical and conceptual overview, detailing the organization of the indigenous movement and the evolution of indigenous communication and journalism in Brazil. The second section focuses on practical recommendations for coverage. Key guidelines include respecting community calendars and rules when visiting territories, avoiding the classification of indigenous communities as simply "rural," and ensuring that the names of indigenous peoples are capitalized and not pluralized.

“

The document was discussed during the first meeting of indigenous journalists in Brazil and then validated by the 68 members of the network, belonging to 46 peoples.

Further recommendations address sensitive issues such as the protection of sources and individuals, the right to image, linguistic prejudice, racist expressions, and stereotypes. The manual also includes a glossary of terms related to indigenous peoples. The first edition is freely available online, aiming to foster more informed and respectful journalistic practices concerning Brazil's diverse indigenous populations.

“

Among the guidelines, the manual recommends respecting the calendars and rules of the communities during visits to the territories, not classifying indigenous communities simply as rural and writing the names of the peoples with a capital letter and without plural.