Terra in Limbo: The Land of Forgotten Promises by Pablo Albarenga

On 5 October 1988, Brazil recognised the rights of Indigenous peoples to their ancestral lands. However, the photographer notes that ‘a significant debt remains unresolved, leaving Indigenous communities still fighting for justice.’ Every April, more than 4,000 Indigenous people from across Brazil take over the nation’s capital to ensure their presence is felt and their voices are heard, reminding the government of its unfulfilled promises. The photographer explains, ‘these people transform Brasília into a tapestry of cultures, worldviews and stories that come from a shared struggle.’ While some progress has been made in recent years – Brazil has officially recognised 13 Indigenous territories since 2023 – more than 200 territories remain in limbo, awaiting formal recognition. For many communities the wait has spanned generations, with the demarcation process often taking more than 30 years to complete.