BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — A young individual from an uncontacted Indigenous tribe who ventured into a river community in the Brazilian Amazon has voluntarily returned to his people within a day, according to Brazilian officials.

The incident took place around 7 p.m. on Wednesday in Bela Rosa, a locality situated along the Purus River in southwestern Amazonia. Footage acquired by The Associated Press depicts the young man barefoot, clad in a simple loincloth, appearing composed and in good health as he handled two logs.

Residents believe the young man was requesting fire. A smartphone video captured one local attempting to demonstrate how to use a lighter to him. Shortly after, officials from Brazil’s Indigenous affairs agency, Funai, arrived and transported him to a nearby facility for care.

In a statement issued Friday, Funai confirmed that the young man returned to his home in the forest by Thursday afternoon. They also dispatched a team of health professionals to assess whether he had been exposed to diseases that could affect isolated Indigenous communities. Officials mentioned that measures have been implemented to monitor and protect the area to prevent unauthorized access to the tribe’s vicinity.

Brazil’s policy prioritizes the protection of uncontacted tribes, focusing on establishing monitored reserves such as Mamoriá Grande, close to where this event unfolded.

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