Beto Marubo, an indigenous leader from the remote Amazonian region of Vale do Javari, Brazil, discusses his journey from only speaking the Marubo language to becoming a prominent advocate for indigenous rights at national and international forums, including the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. He represents the Union of Indigenous Peoples of the Vale do Javari (Univaja) and the Observatory of Human Rights of Isolated and Recently Contacted Indigenous Peoples (Opi), monitoring public policies and defending indigenous territories. The article highlights the challenges faced by indigenous communities, such as environmental pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a government hostile to indigenous rights. It also touches on the importance of non-contact policies for isolated tribes and the need for responsible legacy for future generations, as emphasized by Marubo cosmology.

The author reflects on their 20-year career as a reporter and editor, having contributed to a variety of media outlets, including traditional newspapers, magazines, and independent digital news platforms. They have covered a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from cultural events to political issues and social matters. Notable work includes reporting on the UN mission in Haiti and conducting interviews with prominent figures like Paul McCartney and Ariano Suassuna. In 2019, the author was honored with the Gabo Fellowship on Cultural Journalism by the Gabriel Garcia Márquez Foundation in Cartagena, Colombia. The author is currently a freelance journalist.