EMPREENDEDORISMO INDÍGENA NO PANTANAL DO MATO GROSSO DO SUL: RECONHECIMENTO, RELAÇÕES E PERSPECTIVAS

Abstract

The objective of this research is to understand the main representative characteristics of indigenous entrepreneurship in the context of the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul. The methodology adopted was an inductive perspective with a qualitative approach and the use of the Thematic Oral History method. The primary data used was interviews conducted by the researcher and on-site observations. Secondary data was also used, such as interviews provided by the Enactus UFMS Aquidauana Team, of which the student is an active member, and journalistic notes. The study considered 11 interviews with indigenous craftsmen and women from the Terena ethnic group in the villages of: Cachoeirinha, Limão Verde, Bananal and Ipegue. During the analysis, three categories emerged, which are discussed in the results: a) Indigenous know-how b) Indigenous way of doing c) Purpose of the indigenous enterprise, which allowed us to learn about invisible details of the indigenous way of doing things. It can be seen that although entrepreneurship plays a significant role in generating income, the greatest relevance for the interviewees is closely related to the perpetuation of indigenous culture, as well as being a practice of resistance in the face of various challenges, such as barriers to market access, lack of appreciation and knowledge of their crafts. This work contributes to the understanding and use of entrepreneurial practices by the Terena indigenous people, in a humane and professional way, highlighting the importance of attention to an emerging issue that promotes the sustainable development of communities and the valorization of the traditional economic practices of indigenous peoples.