Joenia Wapichana is the first indigenous woman to preside over the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai). Born in Truarú da Cabeceira, rural area of the municipality of Boa Vista (RR), she belongs to the Wapichana people and is considered the first indigenous lawyer in Brazil to act for the rights of indigenous peoples. Graduated from the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR), she began her career in the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR). She is a former congresswoman and has also served on the Council for Economic and Social Development (CDES) and the National Council for Biodiversity (CONABIO).