Prefeitura de São Paulo

“Die if necessary, but never kill.”

Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon’s humanist perspective was responsible for peaceful exploratory expeditions through the untamed Brazilian countryside. He made way through the wild, registering topography, discovering rivers, studying the wildlife and, most importantly, without confrontation, establishing respectful and peaceful relations with the native indians. He participated in creating legal protection for natives, and he was the first director of the Indian Protection Bureau, forerunner of the National Foundation for the Indian (FUNAI).