As we venture into the lands of Rio Grande do Sul, we encounter a rich cultural mosaic, woven together by peoples who, over the centuries, have shaped the region's identity. Among them, the Jês stand as a fundamental pillar of Gaucho history, their voices echoing through time, narrating the saga of a resilient and ancestral people.
This book delves into the depths of Jê history, unraveling their trajectories, their customs, and their struggle for recognition and preservation of their identity. Through a critical and dialectical approach, we seek to deconstruct homogenizing and Eurocentric narratives, weaving a pluralistic account that acknowledges the internal diversity of the Jês people and their multiple voices.
To understand the history of the Jês, it is essential to situate them in their historical and geographical context. Inhabiting the lands of Rio Grande do Sul for thousands of years, the Jês developed a deep relationship with the region's unique biome, building a rich and complex culture permeated by a profound respect for nature.
Throughout the centuries, the Jês faced the challenges of European colonization, bravely resisting the usurpation of their ancestral lands and the imposition of foreign customs and religions. Despite adversity, they preserved their culture and identity, adapting without ever fully submitting.
In this work, we will seek to intertwine the history and identity of the Jês, recognizing their struggles, their values, and their achievements. Through a critical analysis of diverse historical, archaeological, and linguistic documents, we will construct a multifaceted portrait of this ancestral people, acknowledging the importance of their preservation for the construction of a more just and inclusive future in Rio Grande do Sul.
The Importance of a Critical and Dialectical Approach
When approaching the history of the Jês, it is crucial to adopt a critical and dialectical perspective, recognizing the complexity of relationships between different cultures and social groups. This approach allows us to:

• Deconstruct homogenizing narratives that present the Jês as a monolithic and homogeneous people.
• Acknowledge the internal diversity of the Jês people, composed of different groups, languages, and cultures.
• Analyze the impacts of European colonization on the lives of the Jês, considering the different perspectives of those involved.
• Understand the Jês' struggles for their territorial, cultural, and social rights.
• Construct a more pluralistic and democratic historical account that values the voice of the Jês themselves.