Indigenous Movements in Ecuador

Since the Spanish invaded Latin America in 1492, indigenous peoples have been forced out of their land in order to make way for European ideas and industries. Their homes and environments have been destroyed and they have been forced to live in areas a fraction of the size of their original residence. Despite Ecuador being independent from Spain for about two hundred years, indigenous peoples are still being forced to relocate due to economic interests. In 2002, the Inga, Siona and Cofan peoples had to evacuate due to Ecopetrol and Texaco oil companies contaminating their water supply thus leaving their community unsustainable. Their populations shrank due to the population, especially the Cofan tribe which went from 15,000 people to 300 since the arrival of the oil companies about twenty years ago The oil companies have been abusing the land with very little concern for the environmental damage it may impose as well as little regard for the people who have called the area home for generations (Mohawk).

The group, Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) was formed in 1986 as a way for indigenous peoples to get involved in the political process and fight for their rights, which is uncommon in other nations in the region. Through this political organization, indigenous peoples in Ecuador however took to the streets of Quito in 2002 to protest the oil companies and the expulsion from their land. Through CONAIE, indigenous peoples have been one of the most successful social movements in recent years including the protest in 2002. They have been fighting for a pluri-national state amongst other things in Ecuador since the 1980’s, and despite not being fully successful so far, they are still working hard to fight for their rights and ensure that their people and cultures are not erased or pushed aside for corporations (Jameson).

Works Cited:

Bainbridge, Emma. “Indigenous Mobilization in Ecuador.” Modern Latin America. Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Accessed May 1, 2020.

Jameson, Kenneth P. “The Indigenous Movement in Ecuador: The Struggle for a Plurinational State.” Latin American Perspectives38, no. 1 (2011): 63-73. Accessed May 1, 2020.

Mohawk, John C. 2003. “Despite Advances, Threats to Indigenous Peoples Abound.” Indian Country Today.