Indigenous Pataxó land in Brazil was officially demarcated in 2025, a direct outcome of advocacy efforts supported by Cultural Survival, according to the organization's recently released annual report. Representatives from the Pataxó and Arana Peoples attended the United Nations climate change conference (COP 30) in Brazil, where they engaged with authorities to press for land rights.
During COP 30, Cultural Survival facilitated meetings between Indigenous representatives and officials, while also using its media channels to amplify the Pataxó's calls for land defense and demarcation. This concerted effort culminated in the successful recognition of one of their ancestral territories.
Beyond the Brazil initiative, Cultural Survival's 2025 report highlighted several global programs. The Keepers of the Earth Fund provided $531,000 to 65 grassroots Indigenous communities across 26 countries for self-determined projects. Additionally, the Indigenous Community Media Fund allocated $502,000 to 63 Indigenous media initiatives in 29 nations. The Youther Fellowship Program strengthened leadership skills for 56 Indigenous youth from 13 countries, and 160 Indigenous partners participated in six events designed for community sharing and exchange.
The organization also produced 157 Indigenous Rights Radio programs in Spanish, English, and 17 Indigenous languages, alongside four issues of its Cultural Survival Quarterly magazine. Advocacy efforts included submitting seven reports to the United Nations detailing violations of Indigenous Peoples’ collective and human rights. Accompaniment for nine communities resulted in emergency funding for rights and environmental defenders, water and soil testing in areas affected by mining, and urgent community meetings.
Indigenous-authored content and storytelling reached 138,000 people through social media platforms, generating 6.1 million impressions from 4,789 posts. Furthermore, four Cultural Survival Bazaars hosted 70 vendors, benefiting over 2,950 Indigenous individuals representing 100 communities worldwide.
Despite these achievements, Indigenous communities globally continue to face significant threats to their lands and rights, demanding ongoing vigilance and support.
Sources
https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/just-released-our-2025-annual-report
