HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENT SERIES

In 2022, deforestation in the Amazon peaked, reaching its highest rate in a decade. Amidst this ecological crisis, the voices of its Indigenous peoples are often overshadowed by powerful economic interests and distorted narratives. This talk inquires into the Indigenous perspective, highlighting the often-overlooked complexities they face due to the collision of economic pursuits, state interests, and lingering colonial legacies. We'll explore how these forces not only threaten the forest but also attempt to erase the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures, beliefs, and resistance against capitalist modernity. Unpacking these layers, we'll emphasize the imperative role of Indigenous communities in shaping sustainable futures for the Amazon and beyond.

Marcos Colón teaches Latin American Studies at Florida State University, holding a Ph.D. in Spanish and Portuguese Cultural Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2019). He specializes in Brazilian cultural studies, emphasizing depictions of the Amazon in modern Brazilian literature and film. Colón has directed documentaries like "Beyond Fordlândia” (2018),  "Zo’é" (2021), and "Stepping Softly on the Earth" (2022). His research critically examines the Amazon's post-rubber era, challenging conventional tropical representations in literature and culture. He's also the founder and editor of the digital magazine, Amazonia Latitude.

Reception to follow talk in the lobby outside 107 Gladfelter Hall from 4:30-5:30pm.

Film screening to follow reception inside 107 Gladfelter Hall from 5:30-7:30pm.