Fundação Getulio Vargas’ Department of Public Policy Analysis (FGV DAPP) recently launched a report mapping public debate on issues related to indigenous and traditional peoples on various social media platforms. The Ancestral Narratives Project looked at more than 9 million posts discussing these subjects on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

The document also presents a case study about an inquiry into activist Sônia Guajajara instigated at the request of the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI). This analysis was aimed at building a broader picture of the actors and coalitions that are engaged and mobilized in debate about indigenous peoples on social media.

According to the report, Facebook stands out as the main network in which environmental and indigenous peoples’ organizations have gained the most influence in debating these issues, including the profiles of both individual activists and institutions. On the other hand, Instagram had the most posts by celebrities. Such posts, although less common, are an important way of expanding the reach of debate to a broader audience. Indigenous issues received special attention, especially in campaigns that also involved environmental preservation.

Twitter, also monitored by the Ancestral Narratives Project, is marked by the presence of environmental and indigenous activists. On this platform, there is a group of leaders, mostly linked to indigenous causes, and including young people who write about political issues, run campaigns and mobilize on topics related to traditional cultures.

The report, produced in partnership with Amoreira Comunicação, can be accessed in full here.