Although Brazilians of non-native descent lived on the island in the past, today the entire population is indigenous.

There are sixteen aldeias or villages on the island: Barra do Rio, Barreira Branca, Boa Esperança, Boto Velho, Cachoeirinha, Fontoura, JK, Kanoanã, Kaxiwe, Macaúba, Santa Isabel, São João, Txoude, Txuiri, Wari-Wari, Watau.

However, for a few weeks during the dry season (June – August) the river is low enough that it can be forded and the island can be reached by car.

The villages have roads wide enough for cars and tractors, but most travellers walk or ride horses or bicycles.

From north to south, the island forms the western portions of the municipalities of Pium, Lagoa da Confusão, and Formoso do Araguaia, in southwestern Tocantins.