Xukuru do Ororubá People: Ancestry, Knowledge and Tradition
Role: Project Manager, Cultural Producer, and Graphic Designer
I led the full development of this educational book for the Xukuru do Ororubá Indigenous Territory in Pernambuco, Brazil — from project management and design execution to production and delivery. The initiative was created as a tool for cultural strengthening and self-representation through editorial design.
All written content was authored by the Xukuru Indigenous Teachers’ Council (COPIXO), and the entire process was grounded in participatory design methodologies. Workshops and collaborative sessions were held to engage teachers in the editorial process, aiming to foster autonomy and support the formation of new cultural agents capable of self-publishing educational materials rooted in Xukuru knowledge and traditions.
The book was printed in 1,200 copies and distributed to the 23 schools that make up the educational network of the territory. Funded by the Aldir Blanc Cultural Incentive Law (State of Pernambuco), the project connected academic and design-based expertise with local narratives, contributing to long-term cultural sustainability.
Key takeaways: participatory design for education, project management in intercultural contexts, editorial processes as tools for autonomy and cultural resilience.
Project Credits
Concept, project management, and graphic design: Matheus de Mendonça
Text and educational content: Xukuru Indigenous Teachers’ Council (COPIXO)
Workshop venue: Xukuru Indigenous Council Association (ACIX)
Funding: Aldir Blanc Cultural Incentive Law – Government of the State of Pernambuco
Printing: Pernambuco State Publishing Company (Cepe)