The Kanoê are found relatively dispersed in the southern region of the State of Rondônia, near the border with Bolívia. It is possible, however, to recognize two different situations of contact between groups of these people and the surrounding society. The great majority live along the banks of the Guaporé River and is characterized by by a long history of contacts with the world of the "whites"; in contrast with a single family comprised of three people who live on the Omerê River, tributary of the Corumbiara, who were first contacted by the Funai in 1995, when they are five, and who have remained in relative isolation. These Kanoê groups, each in its own way, are marked by tragic histories which have resulted in a significant reduction in population. Today, they struggle for their physical and cultural survival in a region that is overwhelmingly occupied by lumbermen, landjumpers, and other agents who often threaten the integrity and exclusive usufruct of their lands.