Representations of the indigenous and the European immigrant in history museums in the South of Santa Catarina

Abstract

In Santa Catarina and, particularly, in the southern region of the state, the discourse of the “pioneer” European immigrant has been widespread since the beginning of the 20th century; and this discourse is strongly rooted in  the common sense of the municipalities’ populations; it is consolidated in the monuments of public squares, in the names of streets and avenues; in the local-regional historiography produced mainly by Italian and German descendants; and also in the municipal history museums. But there is a “thorn” that continuously burdens the discourse of memory of the “pioneer immigrant”: the need to inform the place of the indigenous people who occupied the territory that was donated by the government of Santa Catarina for the immigration-colonization enterprise in the second half of the nineteenth century; and it is in this scenario of memory conflict that the problematization emerges: considering the evolution of research and historical knowledge produced in recente decades, as well as the guidelines of Law nº. 11.645 of March 10, 2008, which mandates the study of indigenous and Afro-Brazilian history and culture in basic education, how are native peoples represented in municipal museums in the southern region of Santa Catarina? This study aims to show and discuss the representations of European immigrants and the Xokleng people in history museums in the municipalities of Urussanga, Orleans, and Lauro Müller. Among the conclusive aspects, the need to review and update municipal museums is highlighted, making possible a pedagogical dialogue with universities or professionals in the areas of education, history, archaeology, anthropology, and/or museology.