Inter-school and intercultural dialogues: exploring letter through the lens of Law 11.645/08
Letters; school education; interculturality; Law 11.645/08; ethnic-racial relations.
The thesis explores the potential of letter exchanges as a tool for intercultural exchanges in the classroom. The research was conducted with high school students in the Federal District (DF) who received letters from the Xingu Indigenous Territory. The aim was to analyze how these exchanges could contribute to fulfilling the requirements of Law 11.645/08 through intercultural pedagogical practices. The specific objectives included investigating students’ perceptions of indigenous peoples, analyzing how previous schools approached the topic, and creating a channel for dialogue through the letters, exploring their impact. The dissertation is structured into three chapters: the first addresses the educational context of the involved schools, discussing the diversity of educational models and the role of social movements in shaping public policies, such as the implementation of Law 11.645/08, which mandates the teaching of Afro-Brazilian and indigenous history and culture. The second chapter examines the letter as a pedagogical method, highlighting its emotional and exchange-driven potential, capable of challenging stereotypical perceptions of indigenous peoples. The final chapter discusses letters written by indigenous people and other initiatives to strengthen the presence of indigenous voices in schools, aligning with the principles of Law 11.645/08 and other regulations. The dissertation concludes that, despite limitations, letter exchanges fostered dialogue between distinct cultural realities and promoted a critical reflection on indigenous identities, contributing to the implementation of legislation that ensures the teaching of indigenous history and culture in schools