Daniel Oliveira Lira

Biography

Daniel is a Specialist in Indigenous Policies at the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (FUNAI). Currently, he is working as Scientific Dissemination Coordinator at the Museu do Índio/ FUNAI, where he oversees publishing initiatives and research projects focused on the safeguarding of indigenous cultural heritage and promoting awareness and understanding of indigenous cultures in Brazil.

Daniel’s role also includes acting as the National Coordinator for research within the International Cooperation Project between FUNAI and UNESCO, titled Safeguard of the Cultural and Linguistic Heritage of Indigenous Peoples Recently Contacted and Indigenous Peoples Living Near Borders in the Amazon Region.

Daniel coordinates research teams, reviews and approves content for publication, and works with cross-departmental groups to ensure that projects reflect the cultural diversity and complexity of indigenous knowledge. As the sole museologist on the team, he also supports exhibition planning and helps develop education programmes to strengthen cultural dissemination, balancing scientific rigor with accessibility to engage both academic audiences and the wider public.

As a descendant of the Macushi people, Daniel has a personal investment in indigenous heritage and its representation in museums and is committed to improving museum practices that respect and amplify indigenous voices. Daniel’s professional interests also include conservation, exhibition design, and strategies for engaging communities in the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

At the British Museum

During his time at the British Museum, Daniel was based in Americas section of the Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas and his UK partner placement was spent at Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery.

Daniel’s participation on the International Training Programme was generously supported by the John S Cohen Foundation.