índio

índio is a term used in Portuguese to refer to Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The word derives from the colonial-era practice of Europeans who believed they had arrived in the Indies and thus used 'índio' as a broad label for native peoples. In everyday Portuguese, particularly in Brazil, índio is widely understood and commonly used, but in formal, academic, or sensitive contexts it can be considered outdated or pejorative depending on tone and usage.

Contemporary usage favors neutral or self-descriptive terms such as 'povo indígena' or 'indígena' to denote individuals or communities. The plural 'índios' exists but may be avoided in some settings. Many Indigenous communities prefer their own names and language-based identifiers, reflecting the diversity of cultures and languages across the hemisphere.

Indigenous peoples are highly diverse, with hundreds of communities speaking many languages. In Brazil, for example, there are hundreds of distinct groups with unique cultural practices, social structures, and territorial histories. Indigenous rights and protections are established in national constitutions and international instruments; in Brazil, the 1988 Constitution recognizes Indigenous land rights and cultural protections, though land demarcation and resource use remain contentious. Across the Americas, ongoing efforts address preservation of languages, self-determination, and participation in governance.