A memória e oralidade do povo potiguara do litoral norte da paraíba.

Abstract

The history of Brazil and the representation of Indigenous Peoples have been influenced by power relations that have neglected the contribution and perspective of Indigenous peoples, imposing the culture of invaders and erasing fundamental cultural elements. However, in recent decades, Indigenous peoples have taken on the narrative voice, reclaiming their history and becoming subjects, authors, and creators of their cultural legacy. This research aims to show how the memory of the Potiguara People remains alive through orality. To this end, the importance of the voices of Indigenous elders in the construction of Brazil's history, the dynamics of control and production of history, and the transmission of memory through orality were analyzed. The methodology used included a literature review on the transmission of memory through orality, a legislative review on the Indigenous issue in Brazil, and field research with interviews conducted with Potiguara elders. Based on the foregoing, it can be concluded that the development of laws that guarantee the rights of Indigenous peoples, such as differentiated education, is an important step towards the valorization and preservation of Indigenous cultures. In the specific case of the Potiguara, the creation of Indigenous schools has brought significant advances in the process of educating new generations, enabling direct contact with ancestral culture and knowledge. Oral literature plays a fundamental role in preserving the culture, history, and identity of Indigenous Peoples. However, technological advancements and challenges faced by Indigenous communities pose threats to the continuity of oral tradition. It is important to recognize the significance of contemporary Indigenous literature in reaffirming identity and advocating for cultural preservation. The silencing and marginalization of Indigenous Peoples in Brazilian literary history reveal the need to deconstruct stereotypes and overcome colonizing views.