fuckyeahhistorycrushes:

Mário Juruna was the first national-level federal representative in Brazil that belonged to an indigenous people. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil by the Democratic Labour Party from 1983–1987, representing Rio de Janeiro. His election had strong repercussions in Brazil and the world. He was responsible for the creation of a permanent commission for Indians, which brought formal recognition to issues related to Indians. As you can see in this picture, he used to wear his cocar (feather adornment) even during the Chamber’s meetings.