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SAO PAULO (AP) — Hundreds of indigenous Brazilians set up camp in the nation's capital Monday at the start of a week of speeches, protests and celebrations as they lobby the government to protect their rights.
Many indigenous groups say President Michel Temer's government hasn't done enough to protect their lands from encroachment by business interests.
Military police in the capital of Brasilia said around 1,000 people gathered Monday. Organizers said they expected that to grow to around 3,000.
During last year's Free Land Encampment, a protest turned violent. Police fired tear gas, and demonstrators responded with spears and arrows.
Latin America's largest nation is home to numerous indigenous peoples, many of them in the Amazon region. Clashes with farmers, ranchers, and loggers are common, and the violence has increased in recent years.
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