Dalva Maria de Souza Ferreira, an indigenous Guató woman and activist for the identity and territory of her people, was honored in the Citizenship category. A volunteer researcher of the Guató language, her work was recognized with the adoption of indigenous teaching materials by the state school system. Dalva actively took part in the recognition process of the Guató people and the struggle for the reoccupation of Ilha Ínsua, resulting in the demarcation of more than 10 thousand hectares in 2003.
“For me, this award means a lot. Helô, besides being a great woman, was a great friend of mine. She was always present in the fight for our community. Whenever there was any event dealing with culture, she brought our Guató culture in, to take part. For all of that, this recognition means a lot to me,” said Dona Dalva.
In the Environment category, the honoree was Carolina Martins Garcia, a master’s in Ecology and Conservation and founder of Sauá Consultoria Ambiental. Born in Minas Gerais, Carolina arrived in Corumbá in 2013 as an intern at Embrapa Pantanal. Since then, she has directed her career toward research in the biome, with emphasis on studies of coatis and ocelots in Nhecolândia. She has also worked on initiatives such as the conservation of the Brazilian tapir and in wildlife rescue operations. Since 2020, with Sauá Consultoria, she has led nationally recognized projects, with technical studies approved by Ibama.
The Personality category recognized professor Vivian da Veiga Silva, a lecturer at UFMS — Campus Pantanal, holder of a doctorate in History from UFGD and researcher in the areas of Sociology, Gender, Feminist Theory and Coloniality. Vivian is part of the Núcleo de Estudos de Inovação Social da Fronteira and the Observatório de Inovação Social da Fronteira, contributing to the debate and formulation of public policies aimed at equity.
Márcia Rolon, founder and executive director of the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano (South American Moinho Cultural Institute), was honored in the Culture category. A Pantanal native of Corumbá, Márcia holds a master’s degree in Border Studies from UFMS, and is a physical educator and systemic educator. With a career marked by the promotion of dance and culture, she has trained in Brazil, the United States and Europe. She was deputy mayor of Corumbá between 2013 and 2016 and is part of the Rede Folha de Empreendedores Socioambientais. Her work directly impacts art, education and the preservation of the Pantanal biome.
In the Gender Sensitivity category, the honoree was professor Waldson Luciano Corrêa Diniz, a doctor in History from USP and professor at UFMS — Campus Pantanal. He also works in the public and private school systems, and is recognized for his engagement in human rights and equity issues. He is a member of Grupo Tez and the State Council for Human Rights.
A legacy of generosity and gratitude
“Helô was the voice of Corumbá’s culture. This award is a symbol of the strength she represented and continues to be an inspiration to all of us,” said Mayor Dr. Gabriel. The Prêmio Mulher Helô Urt is put on by the City Hall of Corumbá, through the Municipal Secretariat of Social Assistance and Citizenship.
The deputy mayor and municipal secretary of Social Assistance and Citizenship, Bia Cavassa, highlighted the importance of the event. “Besides celebrating women, we also recognize the support of men in building equality. This award is a living memory of a woman who did so much for our culture,” she said.
Manager of Public Policies for Women, Wânia Alecrim, recalled Helô Urt’s importance to the city. “She was a watershed in culture and social life. She welcomed and helped everyone. Her legacy is present in every transformation,” she said.
Luiz Eduardo Urt, Helô’s son, reinforced the feeling of gratitude. “My mother was synonymous with generosity and solidarity. Seeing this award grow is seeing her legacy carry on,” he said.
Heloísa Helena da Costa Urt passed away at age 61, on November 23, 2011. Helô Urt, as she was affectionately known, held a degree in Language and Literature from the Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). She had strong political involvement and was an icon of Corumbá’s culture.
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