Though the Quilombola have been indigenous to Brazil for hundreds of years now, they have virtually no rights. The Brazilian government has sequestered the Quilombola to live in these small villages – far from any modern-day conveniences and comforts that many Brazilians have access to every day.

These villages are peppered around a vast river system in the heart of Brazil. However, even with their proximity to “fresh water”, none of it is drinkable. The rivers are riddled with bacteria and parasites, and those that drink it often contract chronic illnesses that gradually destroy their health and quality of life.

This historic people group has had to endure so much over the last several hundred years. Though their problems are many, their greatest and most urgent need is clean, safe, drinking water. If there has ever been a people that deserve it, it is the Quilombola.