In the 18th and 19th centuries the Charrúa were confronted by cattle exploitation that strongly altered their way of life, causing famine and forcing them to rely on cows and sheep.

[citation needed] Charrúas would move to the shore in summer to fish and gather clams, fruits, and roots and moved inland in winter to hunt deer, rheas, and smaller game with bolas (stones connected by short ropes that are thrown to ensnare prey) and bows and arrows.

Although Rivera initially maintained a good relationship with the Charrúas, the increasing dominance of the white people and desires for expansion led to hostilities.

The directory of the Oriental School of Montevideo thought a nearly extinct race would spark the interest of French scientists and the public.

[12] They were Senacua Sénaqué, a medicine man; Vaimaca-Pirú Sira, a warrior; and a young couple, Laureano Tacuavé Martínez and María Micaëla Guyunusa.

The display was not a success and they all soon died in France, including a baby daughter born to Sira and Guyunusa,[further explanation needed] and adopted by Tacuavé.

[7] The child was named María Mónica Micaëla Igualdad Libertad by the Charrúa, yet she was filed by the French as Caroliné Tacouavé.

[10] On November 9, 2007 the Câmara dos Vereadores of Porto Alegre held a Solemn Act to recognize the Charruas as an existing native Brazilian people.

During the Act, Senators Paulo Paim and Sérgio Zambiasi congratulated the indigenous people for their "conquest and effort in a struggle that has lasted 172 years".

[19] Acuab, cacique of Aldeia Polidoro, is credited with going to Brasilia and handing over to then-President Lula a document that asked for the recognition of her people by Fundação National do Índio.