In 1976, the Matis tribe of the Amazon rainforest first encountered the outside world when Binan Tuku met with a Brazilian government expedition. Almost fifty years later, Tuku's son, Tumi, seeks a different life in the city of Atalaia do Norte, trading traditional tools for a pastry bag and aspirations of higher education. Tumi's story reflects a larger trend: thousands of Indigenous people are migrating to urban centers, leaving their ancestral villages behind.

Driven by the desire for better education and access to government assistance, these individuals are drawn to cities like Atalaia do Norte. However, this migration has significant consequences. It contributes to the decline of Indigenous villages and raises concerns about the future of the Amazon rainforest, a vital ecosystem in the fight against climate change. With the traditional guardians of the forest leaving, its protection becomes increasingly vulnerable.

Anthropologist Almério Alves Wadick estimates that approximately half of the Indigenous population in the Javari Valley now resides in urban areas. The Matis tribe, for example, reports nearly half of its 600 members living in Atalaia do Norte. Binin Matis, leader of the Matis Indigenous Association, worries about the erosion of his people's language and culture, as well as their increased exposure to urban challenges like drug use.

Younger generations are losing touch with traditional skills and practices. While elders hold onto ancient knowledge, the youth are more interested in modern pursuits. This cultural shift further weakens the connection to their ancestral lands and way of life.

Bushe Matis, president of Univaja, the primary Indigenous association in the Javari Valley, expresses concern that the exodus will result in reduced support for essential services like healthcare and education in Indigenous territories. He also fears the potential loss of land rights, which could open the door for exploitative industries like mining and logging. The Amazon faced immense pressure during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, witnessing a surge in illegal activities that threatened the rainforest's integrity. Univaja has taken on the responsibility of protecting the land and its isolated Indigenous inhabitants by forming its own surveillance team to combat illegal encroachment.

The tragic killings of Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira and journalist Dom Phillips underscore the dangers faced by those working to protect the Amazon. Their deaths are believed to be linked to tensions surrounding illegal activities in the region. Current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has taken steps to address these issues, including establishing a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and prioritizing the improvement of education in remote areas.

The federal Bolsa Familia program, while intended to provide financial assistance to families, has inadvertently contributed to the migration. Indigenous families travel to cities to access the funds, but often face exploitation and find themselves trapped in urban poverty. The program's shortcomings highlight the need for better support systems and culturally sensitive solutions.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples is working to adapt the program to better serve Indigenous communities. Proposed changes include extending withdrawal periods and offering more flexible payment schedules. Improving education within Indigenous territories is also a key focus, though it presents a formidable challenge given the vastness and remoteness of the Amazon.

Anthropologist Nelly Marubo, herself Indigenous, envisions village schools that integrate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge. However, a recent visit to her native region revealed a stark reality: a deserted village populated only by a handful of elderly women, a poignant illustration of the ongoing exodus and its impact on the future of the Amazon.