Stars in the sky: Pleiades invite plenitude — an ethnomathematics memoir in Central Brazil

Abstract

This is a day, a month, a year, and a few decades — dry and rainy seasons included — in real-life mathematics of the Kisêdjê Indigenous People of the Wawi Territory, Central Brazil. According to the Kisêdjê, aka Suyá, the sun and the stars rule the sky, while people, animals, and plants create reality on earth. We are in the state of Mato Grosso, at 11 degrees, 45 minutes South latitude; and 53 degrees, 1 minute West longitude. Starting in 1981, this ethnomathematics memoir traces factual moments of my life as a mathematics educator in indigenous schools. Hands-on, real-life activities are included in the “Teacher’s Notebook.” This includes fishing expeditions, and excursions to local dispensaries and far away hospitals. My objective is to show that mathematics education, including map-making, provides important resources in the fight for sovereignty and autonomy of Indigenous Peoples in Brazil, the Americas, and worldwide.