New Moon Update
December 2004
UPDATES FROM THE SOUTH
Indigenous Nationalities Solidify Political Position
The Shuar and Achuar celebrated their fourth annual ‘Territorial Defense Convention’ in the Achuar village of Wampuik on December 7-11. This convention is the most important event of the year in the southern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon, because it is the basis for the political unity between the Shuar and Achuar federations: FIPSE, FICSH and FINAE.
This unity began in 1997, when two oil companies (CGC and ARCO) tried to enter the ancestral territories of the Achuar and Shuar. This situation called for a political position based on regional unity; the presidents of the three federations responded accordingly and started working together. Since then this alliance has grown and has resulted in a very successful political campaign to defend the territories of the indigenous nationalities in the south and center of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Although CGC and Burlington oil companies currently hold concessions signed by the Ecuadorian government for the exploration of oil in Shuar and Achuar territories, they cannot enter because of the opposition from FINAE, FIPSE and FICSH. These three federations represent more than 80% of the communities and territories in the concessions for Block 23 and 24.
For the fourth convention, more than 500 people came together in Wampuik, most of them Achuar and Shuar representing the communities that form the basis of the alliance; but the Achuar and Shuar federations also invited representatives from the Kichwa, Shiwiar and Zapara nationalities. The indigenous nationalities consolidated their political position and signed a new agreement containing 33 resolutions:
- The federations ratify their position of an absolute NO to mining in general and the exploitation of oil in particular in the ancestral territories of the Achuar and Shuar.
- The three federations recognize the constitution of the ‘Strategic Alliance’ with the Kichwa, Shiwiar and Zapara nationalities, and with other organized fronts of resistance for territorial defence in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
- The Achuar and Shuar nationalities reject military occupation of their territories for the exploitation of natural resources.
- The federations declare a state of emergency out of solidarity with the people of Sarayaku.
Pachamama took on an important role in organizing this event - financing logistics, inviting and guiding the press, and creating a video about this historic gathering. Pachamama is the main financial supporter of the Achuar-Shuar alliance and offers constant technical assistance to help manifest the resolutions that come out of the annual conventions.
Shiwar Nation Approves Constitution
The Shiwiar nation held its annual assembly in the Bufeo community from the second until the sixth of December. The Shiwiar live deep inside the Ecuadorian Amazon, close to the Peruvian border and belong to the same linguistic group as the Achuar, their neighbours to the south, and the Shuar.
More than 100 representatives travelled to Bufeo from the nine Shiwiar communities. One of the main issues on the agenda was to discuss, amend and approve the constitution of the Shiwiar nation. This constitution, written in both Spanish and Shiwiar, is a pioneering effort towards creating a governance model that reflects the visions, dreams and ideas of the Shiwiar people.
The constitution has been developed in a series of participatory community workshops carried out with Pachamama’s financial and technical support, providing the Shiwiar with access to crucial legal advising from the Lianas Resource Center. The constitution will be used to gain legal recognition from the Ecuadorian government for the Shiwiar nation. At this moment the Shiwiar people are legally represented by a social non-profit organization called ONSHIPAE, but this legal figure, the one used by all indigenous peoples in the Ecuadorian Amazon, is an indirect recognition for the Shiwiar as an indigenous nation. The new legal constitution will allow the Shiwiar to title their ancestral territory in a single block as a nation, strengthening their capacity to defend their territory with a unified voice.
Pachamama has been the principle source of funds and support for the Shiwiar people since the beginning of 2002. During 2005, Pachamama’s ongoing support will enable the Shiwiar to finish titling their ancestral lands and win legal recognition for their constitution.
upcoming events
The Poetic Cosmos: Poetry, Cosmology, and Justice with Drew Dellinger
Tuesday, January 11: Join us for the January Pachamama Monthly Gathering as acclaimed poet, teacher, and activist Drew Dellinger weaves the story of the universe together with issues of ecology, justice, and democracy. Drew's engaging presentations and poetry performances have inspired audiences across the U.S. Don’t miss this special evening! To RSVP or for more information, click here:
http://www.pachamama.org/events/index.htm#1
new moon action
Support our Indigenous Partners
Achuar leader, Santiago Kawarim, recently returned to his rainforest home after spending several months in the U.S. studying English. Before leaving, he emphasized the significant difference it makes when people from the north communicate directly with the Ecuadorian government and oil companies, expressing their support and solidarity with the indigenous people of his region. At Santiago’s request, we ask that you write, fax, or email a letter to the Houston-based oil company, Burlington Resources, and to the President of Ecuador urging them to stop drilling and exploration in the Amazon.
Sr. Lucio Gutierrez, Presidente de la República, Palacio del Gobierno, Calle Garcia Moreno y Espejo, Quito, Ecuador - Fax: 593-2-2580-751, E-mail:
despresi@presidencia.ec-gov.net
For Burlington Resources contact info and a sample letter, click here:
http://www.amazonwatch.org/view_news.php?id=825
RELATED NEWS
World Rainforest Scientists Oppose Construction of Oil Road into the Ecuadorian Amazon
Fifty of the world's leading international rainforest scientists declared their opposition to the construction of an oil road leading into the Ecuadorian Amazon, fearing that it will lead to species extinction. The construction of this road was granted to the Brazilian national oil company, Petrobras, by the Ecuadorian government in August to facilitate oil extraction. For the full story, click here:
http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/01/1713312.php
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