KAIROS denounces violence against Indigenous partners in Ecuador
KAIROS strongly opposes the criminalization of Indigenous leaders in Ecuador who peacefully demonstrate to express their concerns. KAIROS supports their cry: “We are not terrorists.”
Ecuador’s armed forces have retaliated against its civilian population for demonstrating peacefully to defend and protect their territories from resource extraction.
Indigenous communities globally continue to face the profound and enduring impacts of colonization, which have resulted in significant loss of language, traditional practices and cultural identity, as well as intergenerational trauma and disrupted family and community structures.
Despite facing significant challenges, Indigenous nations around the world are the stewards of the world’s biodiversity and intact ecosystems, which are essential for our survival. However, corporate interests often challenge their stewardship because protected lands and territories are the last frontier of a dangerous, capitalist extraction system.
KAIROS calls on the Ecuadorian authorities to respect the life and the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples to defend their territory, to be heard and consulted and to accept and protect their decisions.
KAIROS Canada is an ecumenical organization committed to supporting Indigenous rights, reconciliation and the holistic well-being of Indigenous peoples in communities in Canada and around the world through education, advocacy and genuine partnership. Our work is rooted in strong relationships with Indigenous partners across Canada and internationally to advance justice, promote self-determination and strengthen community engagement.
Spanish resources that speak of the situation in Ecuador:Interview with Dario Iza President of the Kitu Kara Nation in Ecuador
¡IMPRESIONANTE! La voz de una mujer indígena que hace retumbar Quito en el Paro Nacional
This news report emphasizes the leadership role of Indigenous women in protecting their collective rights as original peoples. More than 70 communities represented say: “we are commoners not terrorists.”
Dario Iza del pueblo #KITUKARA Guillermo Churuchumbi y el respaldo a Luisa González para la segunda
This news report provides a context of the socio-economic and political conditions of the current peaceful resistance movement led by the Indigenous Peoples Movement.
The ancestral commune of La Toglla, of the Kitu Kara people, joins the national strike.
This video demonstrates military intimidation at Indigenous territories.
