Tiriyó people

The Tiriyó or Trio are an Amerindian ethnic group native to parts of northern Brazil, Suriname, and Guyana. In 2014, there were approximately 3,640 Tiriyó in the three countries.

| incumbentsince = 11 March 2022

| residence = Kwamalasamutu

The Tiriyó have a high degree of independence, because their settlements are difficult to access. However, they are interested in reinforcing relationships with the foreign world. Traditionally there was no clear hierarchy or a granman (paramount chief).

In 1997, Asongo Alalaparu was appointed granman by the Surinamese President, and captains were appointed to manage the village. In 2011, a District Commissioner had been appointed to represent the central government in the Coeroeni resort. As of 2019, the District Commission is Trees Cirino.

The village of Kasuela is located in the disputed Tigri Area which is claimed by both Guyana and Suriname. The village is headed by Captain Kenke Jaimo who is recognized by both governments.

The Tiriyó in Brazil live in the Tumucumaque Indigenous Park which has been recognized since 1997. In 2004, Apitikatxi, the association of Tiriyó, Kaxuyana and Txikuyana Indigenous peoples was founded to improve rights of Indigenous peoples. The organisation is headed by Demetrio Amisipa Tiriyó.

A problem which remains is that there are two systems: a traditional tribal government and a national government which are often not compatible. The Tiriyó in the larger villages are influenced by schooling, modern day facilities, and telecommunications. The traditional culture is disappearing and young people are beginning to move to the city.

Indigenous rights

A concern is the fundamental rights, because the Tiriyó are spread over three countries, and unlike the Maroons, there are no significant treaties. Mining concessions are often made with the Government without consultation of the native population. Even though the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights ruled in 2007 that all Indigenous and tribal peoples have the right to manage, distribute, and effectively control their territory, Article 41 of the Constitution of Suriname states: "Natural resources and resources are the property of the nation and should be mobilized for economic, social and cultural development. The nation has the inalienable right to take full ownership of its natural resources in order to apply them for the economic, social and cultural development of Suriname." Also in Brazil, Indigenous peoples are often viewed as opponents to economic growth and barriers to development.

Communities

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%"

!Place

!Coordinates

!data-sort-type="number"|Inhabitants

!River

!Country

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Sandlanding || || style="text-align:right" | 33 || Courentyne || 20px Suriname

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Wanapan (Arapahtë pata) || || style="text-align:right" | 25 || Courentyne || 20px Suriname

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Lucie || || style="text-align:right" | 18 || Lucie || 20px Suriname

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Amotopo || || style="text-align:right" | 27 || Paloemeu || 20px Suriname

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Vier Gebroeders || || style="text-align:right" | || Vier Gebroederskreek || 20px Suriname

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Kasuela || || style="text-align:right" | 80 || New River || 20px Guyana

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Sakuru || || style="text-align:right" | || Aramatau || 20px Guyana

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Cachoeirinha || || style="text-align:right" | 33 || Paru d'Este || 20px Brazil

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Matawaré || || style="text-align:right" | 110

|| Paru d'Este || 20px Brazil

|- class="vcard"

| class="fn org" | Manau || || style="text-align:right" | 16