On Thursday (29), the Committee on Labor, Administration and Public Service approved the Bill 3571/08, proposed by the Executive Power, which institutes the National Council on Indigenist Policies (CNPI). The new body will have the participation of representatives of the government, of Indians and of Indigenist bodies, and will be advisory and deliberative.

Its rapporteur, Deputy Vanessa Grazziotin (PCdoB-AM), presented an amendment, which includes the Public Defense of the Union also as a council’s member. According to her, it is fundamental that the Public Defense guarantees the defense of rights and interests of Indians who cannot afford to contract lawyers.

Vanessa Grazziotin stressed the importance of the creation of that council. “It is a totally new and historic experience. Indigenous people have never had the opportunity to participate, in an organized way, in a public-administration body related to issues which regard them. That will enable the articulation of various government sectors which deal with the Indigenous issue in Brazil”, he affirmed.

Procedure
The bill, which is being processed in conclusive character and priority regime, will be also analyzed by the Committees on Finances and Taxation; and on the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship (CCJ).

Report - Vania Alves
Editing - João Pitella Junior
Translation - Positive Idiomas Ltda