It was only after the 1970s that part of the Avá-Canoeiro began to have permanent contact with the surrounding society. Some groups, however, remain isolated. The present situation of this group is critical due to the small number of individuals and the precarious living conditions they are subjected to. Their ability to adapt has been their main strategy for survival, because, since the beginning of the 19th Century, the occupation of their traditional territory by farms, 'garimpos' (gold prospecting areas), towns and cities has forced the Avá-Canoeiro to frequent dislocations through different eco-systems and contexts.