“Botaram a raposa pra tomar conta do galinheiro”: Conflito e reparação de comunidades tradicionais no desastre da Samarco, Vale de BHP Billiton

Abstract

This dissertation is part of the ethnographic studies of the Research Line of the Graduate Program in Social Sciences: Socio-environmental Studies, Cultures and Identities. It seeks to describe the incorporation of traditional peoples and communities in the reparation system established as a result of the Samarco/Vale/BHP disaster, which occurred in 2015. The research uses participant observation in the Technical Chamber of Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Communities (CTIPCT) and adopts the methodology of "document ethnography" to analyze the field material. Traditional communities have different forms of association and seek to assert their ethnic identity to ensure adequate compensation. However, recognition of this identity is often denied by the entities responsible for repairs. In this way, some groups managed to advance in recognition, while others did not. Ethnic affirmation emerges as a tool to bring visibility to communities and ensure a reparation process consistent with their way of life. The dissertation investigates the strategies developed to repair those affected by the disaster and highlights the fragility of the mining companies' social responsibility. The text presents the historical scenario that allowed the disaster to occur, the regions structured by the disaster field and the established repair agreements and structures. It also explores the concept of traditional peoples and communities and the formation of the CTIPCT. The dissertation aims to elucidate the events that occurred in the seven years of the disaster, including the reparation of traditional peoples and communities, their struggle for recognition and inclusion in the reparation programs destined for them. The research demonstrates the tensions and unresolved issues related to ethnic affirmation as a reparation strategy and highlights the difficulties faced by those affected to obtain justice in the face of powerful corporations and the justice system that protects them.