Carvalho, Daniel Navarro do Nascimento; Fernandes, Felipe Bruno Martins; Santos, Hênio da Silva
Resumo:
The presence of indigenous people in universities plays a fundamental role in promoting diversity and enriching the academic environment. This allows for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among communities and significantly contributes to academic research by applying traditional knowledge to innovative studies. Additionally, indigenous presence in higher education institutions strengthens the empowerment of indigenous communities, granting them greater control over their own destiny, which is vital for the preservation of their cultures and identities. The promotion of indigenous culture and language is also a positive outcome of this process, while the inclusion of historically marginalized groups contributes to the reduction of socioeconomic inequalities. The National High School Exam (ENEM) plays an essential role in achieving these objectives. It serves as a gateway to universities, providing opportunities for students, including indigenous students, to access higher education. For instance, many affirmative action programs with reserved slots have used ENEM scores as a selection criterion, thereby promoting the circulation of knowledge and diversity in higher education institutions.