Whether viewed from the sky or on the ground, Amazon has always filled me with awe. Neither words nor photographs can fully convey the sensation of being overwhelmed by the sheer power and majesty of nature. Just as unforgettable is the feeling of intimacy I experienced when spending weeks on end with different tribes. I felt privileged to be allowed to share their time and space, first patiently learning to be accepted, then quietly recording their daily lives. In this way, I could feel and convey their gentleness. Never has the survival of the indigenous people been as threatened as it is now. My wish, with all my heart, with all the passion I possess, is that in 50 years’ time all images I took will not resemble a record of a lost world. Amazon must live on - and, always at its heart, its indigenous inhabitants. April 19th – Indigenous Peoples’ Day © Sebastião Salgado 1. Yara, with hair adornments made of seeds and macaw feathers. Eldest daughter of Wewito Piyãko and Auzelina. The small paint designs on her face indicate that a girl is not yet engaged. Kampa do Rio Amônea Indigenous Territory, State of Acre, 2016. 2. Alzira Yawanawá, village of Mutum. Rio Gregório Indigenous Territory, State of Acre, 2016. 3. Onãtxo and Thõwero, Winko’s daughter and granddaughter, with little children. Kampa do Rio Amônea Indigenous Territory, State of Acre, 2016. 4. Amapyranawin Awá in the village of Juriti with a pet tamarin (Saguinus niger). Indigenous of the Amazon commonly raise the young of animals they have hunted as if they were family members. This custom is even stronger among those of Tupi-Guarani origin, the culture that gave Portuguese the word xerimbabo, meaning “farm animal.” Awá-Guajá Indigenous Territory, State of Maranhão, 2013. #indigenouspeoplesday #diadoindio #journeedelindien #amazon #amazônia #amazonie #sebastiaosalgado #photography #photographie #fotografia #sosamazonia #sosamazon #sosamazonie