When she was just 16, Juma Xipaia of Brazil’s Indigenous Xipaya people gave an interview in which she foresaw a challenging destiny for herself.

“My future? Fighting for the Indigenous cause,” she said. “My life is going to be one of struggle.”

She couldn’t have been more prophetic. In her early 30s now, she has risen to become the first woman chief of the Middle Xingu region and in her position of leadership has advocated for Indigenous rights and protection of the Amazon rainforest. All of which has made her a target of those seeking conquest over Indigenous territory to exploit the land and resources for lucre.

The Oscar-contending documentary Yanuni , directed and produced by Richard Ladkani and produced by a team including Juma Xipaia, Anita Ladkani and Leonardo DiCaprio, r

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