Awá

The Awá are an indigenous people living in the states of Maranhão and Pará, in the north of Brazil. They inhabit the Amazon rainforest, along the borders of the Jaikumã and Pindare rivers. Their traditional territory spans an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers, although it has been encroached upon by settlers and agricultural interests.

The Awá people are one of the last uncontacted peoples in the world. Estimates suggest that they are dwindling and had a population of around 81 individuals in 2008. Limited data is available on the Awá due to their isolated nature. However, they are believed to number around 400 people, distributed between three distinct groups.

The Awá are skilled hunters and gatherers, relying on the forest for their sustenance. Their primary diet consists of fish, other aquatic animals, and various forest fruits and plants. Their traditional way of living is under threat from encroaching farmers, ranchers, and loggers, which has resulted in the loss of forest habitat and resources. Despite efforts by Brazil's government to protect the Awá and their territory, they continue to face a form of coastal tourism and land speculation.

Some Awá communities have made limited contact with outsiders, primarily through expeditions led by Brazilian authorities and NGOs. These interactions have shown that the Awá possess a rich cultural heritage, including their language and traditional knowledge. However, their desire to preserve their isolation and traditional way of life remains the priority.