Reoccupation in the North Pioneiro of Paraná: The case of Cambará, Alambary and the indigenous

Abstract

In order to understand the expansion fronts and pioneer fronts of a given place, we must broaden our vision beyond a single, traditional, and hegemonic history. In the study of the “colonization” of northern Paraná at the beginning of the 20th century, we used the concept of reoccupation, by which we understood this space as a place already inhabited by indigenous societies and posseiros-caboclos, historically silenced by the history of the "pioneer". In the present study, we analyze how the reoccupation of the territory of Cambará-PR took place, going beyond the historical landmarks established by the "colonizers". With the help of theoretical references, journalistic sources, memorial and reports, we discuss about: the indigenous presence in the region; the arrival of the landowner Major Antonio Barbosa Ferraz Júnior as a domination; and the material and immaterial patrimonies, such as the Alambari river, and the name of the Água do "Bugre" farm – his property. Thus, we examine why the village of Alambary changed its name to "Cambará" around 1920, and whether the old name of Villa Alambary would be synonymous with backwardness, while Cambará (wood exported at that time) would represent the overcoming of a society considered as "uncivilized" by the "reoccupants".