POPULAR EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL MEMORY AND INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE: ANALYSIS OF A CORDEL LITERATURE WORK ON THE TRAJECTORY OF A PHARMACIST IN INDIGENOUS HEALTH

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the educational potential of the cordel booklet A Cordel about Mônica of the Indigenous Peoples, produced in honor of the pharmacist Mônica Maria Henrique dos Santos, recognized for her work in Indigenous pharmaceutical care in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, based on documentary analysis of the booklet and a review of scientific literature and institutional documents related to Indigenous health and pharmaceutical care. The data were analyzed using Bardin’s Content Analysis, allowing the identification of thematic categories related to Mônica Henrique’s professional trajectory, the dialogue between biomedical and traditional knowledge, and the educational potential of cordel literature. The results showed that the booklet promotes interculturality, the rational use of medicines, and the recognition of professionals committed to the health of Indigenous peoples. Furthermore, the cordel proved to be an accessible tool for popular health education and for preserving the memory of transformative experiences. It is concluded that the booklet goes beyond its commemorative purpose, establishing itself as an instrument of popular health education and of promoting the value of Indigenous pharmaceutical care.