“This is the rainforest that our parents and ancestors have been living in. This place is ours. We will not let you take our land from us. Stop stealing it from us. We won't let it happen,” – Ngigoro, recently contacted Hongana Manyawa man

Uncontacted Indigenous peoples are uniquely self-sufficient, independent and resilient. Like many other Indigenous peoples, they have expert knowledge of their lands, which provides everything they need to live rich, healthy and fulfilling lives.

"[Uncontacted Indigenous peoples] have lived like this for a long time and want to continue to do so! They are the ones who truly care for the forest. It is the Moxihatetea and all the other uncontacted peoples of the Amazon who still look after the last forest" – Davi Kopenawa Yanomami, 2020

When uncontacted peoples are not under attack, they thrive. They also have some of the world’s healthiest diets, eating fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that they grow, hunt, fish or gather. Uncontacted Indigenous peoples – like other hunter gatherer peoples – have active lives with plenty of time to relax with friends and family.

Jack, act today – help prevent attacks on uncontacted peoples’ livelihoods.

“The uncontacted Hongana Manyawa really hate the noise the company's machinery makes. So that's why they threaten the machines with spears to show that they are angry,” – Ngigoro.

Uncontacted Indigenous peoples have ownership rights over their territories. And they exercise these rights by resisting forced contact and land theft. Many, like the Sentinelese and Hongana Manyawa, protect their forests from invaders with spears, bows and arrows. Others, like the Kawahiva, use knowledge of their territory to evade those who break in.

Indigenous people are working hard to support their struggle. Many — such as the Guajajara Guardians, who share their territory with the Awá in the eastern Amazon — support their uncontacted neighbors by monitoring their land, reporting invasions or calling for stronger land protection. Some have paid with their lives.

For uncontacted Indigenous peoples, the stakes could not be higher, and they urgently need your support as well. Jack, please stand with them and take action today.

Under international law, Indigenous peoples who live without contact with outsiders have the right to live in peace and not have their lands invaded or taken.

Please, Jack, send a message to the industry bosses who wilfully ignore their rights that you won’t stand for it.