GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Waorani people fight for their rights in Ecuador
Deusdedit RuhangariyoSpecial to ICT
Around the world: The Waorani people demand the right to decide their future in Ecuador, Indigenous communities in Taiwan battle a new digital threat, an Indigenous river defender in Peru wins the prestigious Goldman prize, Indigenous students in Australia get an inside look at the aviation industry, and a UNESCO report calls for support and funding for Indigenous media.ECUADOR: Waorani continue fight to stop oil extractionIn the heart of Ecuador's Amazon rainforest, the Waorani people are standing firm against a government-backed auction of oil rights on their ancestral lands in a fight that could change the way Indigenous people are consulted around the world, Inside Climate News reported on April 27.SUPPORT INDIGENOUS JOURNALISM..The Ecuadorian government opened the auction of oil rights worth an estimated $700 million after a brief meeting with members of the Indigenous Waorani village of Kiwaro. They arrived by helicopter, spoke in Spanish and not the Waotetero language, made no effort to work the Waorani's pikenani, or tribal leaders, and offered no real explanation of the impact or oil extraction on the land.+The Waorani fought back, however, and in 2019 16 communities and a provincial sued multiple federal ministries, arguing that their right to free, prior, and informed consultation (FPIC) had been violated.FPIC, rooted in international law and Ecuador's constitution, requires Indigenous communities be consulted before decisions affecting them are made. The underlying legal issue, however, is whether actual consent is required before the project can move forward, Inside Climate News reported.'If you don't have community support, you pay a price for it,' said Pierre Gratton of the Mining Association of Canada, citing conflicts that arise without proper engagement, according to Inside Climate News.The Waorani achieved a major legal victory in 2019, when a provincial court ruled their FPIC rights had been violated. The case is now under review by Ecuador's Constitutional Court, which aims to clarify national consultation laws. Meanwhile, new oil auctions threaten to impact many of the same communities again.'We do not want extractivism,' Waorani leader Luis Enqueri told Inside Climate News. 'We are fighting for the Constitutional Court to say that we alone have the right to decide what happens in our land.'
TAIWAN: Indigenous communities battle misinformationIn the age of artificial intelligence, Taiwan's Indigenous communities are facing an unsettling new threat, one that distorts, erases, and reimagines their cultures through the power of digital misinformation, East Asia Forum reported on April 25.While Indigenous peoples have long battled marginalization, AI-generated content is now amplifying old injustices in faster and more insidious ways to sow mistrust and deepen political divides, East Asia Forum reported.They include a viral post – since debunked by fact-checkers – claiming that Plains Indigenous soldiers had sided with Japan during Taiwan's 228 Incident in 1947. Or a video that appeared to show the Taiwanese government firebombing an Indigenous community but instead showed footage from the Solomon Islands riots of 2021.Even positive-sounding stories can be dangerous when misrepresented. One widely shared video celebrated a Taiwanese Indigenous tap dance troupe set for a global tour — but the troupe featured instead the Hani people of China's Yunnan province, blurring cultural boundaries and eroding the distinctiveness of Taiwan's Indigenous heritage.Around the world, Indigenous communities are raising similar alarms about algorithmic bias and digital colonialism. In Taiwan, speech recognition systems routinely misclassify Indigenous languages as errors, further silencing them online.But AI isn't only a threat — if handled differently, it could become a tool for revival, East Asia Forum reported. In New Zealand, Māori broadcasters teamed up with NVIDIA to build a speech model that accurately transcribes te reo Māori, showing what's possible when Indigenous groups lead the design process themselves.East Asia Forum concludes that with inclusive frameworks, ethical data practices, and Indigenous-led innovation, AI could become become a tool of cultural resurgence rather than erasure.
PERU: Indigenous river defender wins prestigious Goldman prizeAn Indigenous activist and women's leader from Peru's Amazon has won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize after spearheading a legal battle that secured legal personhood for the river her Kukama people call home, The Guardian reported on April 21.Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari, 57, an Indigenous leader from Shapajila village along the Marañón River, led a historic fight for her people and the environment. As head of the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana women's association and with support from Peru's Legal Defence Institute, Canaquiri spearheaded a legal campaign to protect the Marañon.After three years, judges in Loreto – Peru's largest Amazonian region – ruled in March 2024 that the river must be recognized as a living entity with the right to remain free-flowing and uncontaminated.The court in Iquitos found that the Peruvian government had violated the river's inherent rights and ordered immediate action to prevent future oil spills. It also mandated the creation of a protection plan for the river basin and formally recognized the Kukama community as the river's stewards. Although the government appealed, the ruling was upheld in October 2024 — a landmark victory not just for the Kukama, but for Indigenous rights across Peru.'She is the mother of rivers,' Canaquiri said of the Marañon, according to the Guardian. 'She is born in the Andes and becomes the Amazon River.'In Kukama belief, the river is sacred, home to spirits like Puragua, a giant boa that embodies its health and spirit. Yet for more than four decades, the Kukama have suffered the devastation of oil spills — killing fish, poisoning water, and damaging the ecosystem.Despite the legal victory, however, the river remains under threat, The Guardian reported. The fight is now complicated by a newly passed "anti-NGO" law, which prevents civil society organizations from taking legal action or offering legal counsel in cases against the state.For Canaquiri, the struggle is for future generations.'The government must stop killing nature and start protecting it,' she said. 'Otherwise, what hope will our children have?'
AUSTRALIA: Indigenous students get inside look at aviation industryIndigenous students interested in careers in aviation were given a special firsthand look inside an operational aviation facility when they visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service base in Townsville, Australia, National Indigenous Times reported on April 24.As part of the Raising Horizons pilot program, an initiative led by Gunggandji Aerospace, students from NRL Cowboys House were given rare access to one of Australia's most critical aviation services.Daniel Joinbee, director of Gunggandji Aerospace, said the goal of Raising Horizons is simple but powerful: to show First Nations youth that "aviation is within their reach.""Through Raising Horizons, we're giving First Nations youth real exposure to the industry, connecting them with role models, and showing them the pathways to get there," he said, according to National Indigenous Times.For many students, it was their first time inside an operational facility, given them a chance to see the range of roles that keep the RFDS running — from piloting and nursing to engineering and maintenance. They toured a modified RFDS aircraft used for emergency and remote operations and explored the hangar's cutting-edge technology.Daniel Joinbee, director of Gunggandji Aerospace, said the goal of Raising Horizons is simple but powerful: to show First Nations youth that "aviation is within their reach.""Through Raising Horizons, we're giving First Nations youth real exposure to the industry, connecting them with role models, and showing them the pathways to get there," he said, according to National Indigenous Times.Gunggandji Aerospace is Australia's first and only 100 percent Aboriginal-owned aviation company. Joinbee emphasized that the students represent the future of aviation."These students are our future pilots, engineers, and aviation leaders," he said, according to National Indigenous Times. "This pilot program is just the beginning."
UNITED NATIONS: Report calls for support, funding for Indigenous mediaShane Taurima – Kaihautū of Whakaata Māori and chair of the World Indigenous Broadcasting Network – returned to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues as UNESCO unveiled a landmark global report calling for support and resources for Indigenous media, Te Ao Maori News reported on April 26.+Taurima last participated at UNPFII two years ago, when the forum officially recognized the vital role Indigenous media play in upholding Indigenous rights and called for a comprehensive global study.That study has now been completed and was formally released, concluding that Indigenous media face severe underfunding and limited access to essential resources.Taurima reflected on the findings by speaking from New York with Whakaata Māori journalist Te Aniwaniwa Paterson, who joined a collective of Indigenous reporters covering the forum. ICT was part of the collaboration, organized by Grist.The UNESCO report found that 73 percent of Indigenous media organizations cite lack of funding as a major hurdle, while 51 percent struggle with the high costs of media equipment. Even more troubling, 19 percent report having no internet access at all.'[Indigenous media] is essential and it's impactful, but it's unfortunately under-resourced, under-funded and often overlooked from a policy perspective and excluded structurally,' Taurima said, according to Te Ao Māori News.The report's findings hit close to home. Last year, it was announced that Whakaata Māori would see a $9.5 million funding cut over three years, a 20 percent reduction in its operating budget.Taurima welcomed the report's recommendations, however, which include strengthening legal and institutional protections for Indigenous media, revising outdated media laws to be more inclusive, and upholding Indigenous peoples' rights to freedom of expression and access to communication platforms.
My final thoughtsMy final thoughts are in Ecuador, where the story of the Waorani people is one that grabs me deep in the chest. It's not just another land dispute or a courtroom battle, it's a fight for dignity, for life itself. When the Waorani say, 'We do not want extractivism,' they're speaking not just for themselves, but for all of us who depend on forests, clean water, and a livable planet.They aren't resisting progress; they are protecting something far more precious: a way of life rooted in respect for the Earth. Their courage, standing up to powerful forces with truth and unity, is nothing short of heroic.I can't help but feel a surge of hope when I think about the Waorani's 2019 victory. Against all odds, they won, a testament to what persistence and collective strength can achieve. It's inspiring to see the Constitutional Court take their case seriously now, knowing that a strong ruling could set a new standard for Indigenous rights across Ecuador.They fought not just for land, but for their right to be heard, to decide, to thrive. Their fight reminds us that real change often begins with the voices that are hardest to silence.But it's painful and frankly infuriating to see how the government continues to push ahead with new oil auctions. It's as if court rulings, Indigenous rights, and international law mean nothing when weighed against short-term profit.When officials offer promises of development while communities still lack clean water and basic services, that's not negotiation, it's coercion. It's colonialism, repackaged for the 21st century. And unless something shifts, we are repeating the same brutal patterns that have devastated Indigenous communities for generations.The only way forward is real respect, not just in words, but in action. Ecuador must finally recognize the right of Indigenous peoples to say "no," without fear or manipulation. Land titles must be secured, services provided, and consultations done in ways that honor Indigenous ways of decision-making, not undermine them.The world should be watching, because what happens to the Waorani is a mirror of what's happening everywhere. Their stand is not just for their river, their forest, their future, it's for the future of all of us who believe the Earth is not for sale.The Waorani are not just protecting a forest, they are protecting the heartbeat of life itself.
Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Government of Canada Invests in Landmark Solar Project in Anahim Lake
ANAHIM LAKE, BC, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada is pleased to announce an additional $4.9 million in funding to support the Anahim Lake Solar Project, bringing our total contribution to nearly $17 million. This new solar energy project will provide the Ulkatcho First Nation with access to a clean and renewable source of energy that is cheaper, safer and healthier than diesel power. Located in Anahim Lake, B.C., the project is set to reduce the need for diesel generation in the remote community by about 64 percent — equal to a reduction of 1.1 million litres of diesel a year — making it one of the largest off-grid solar projects in Canada. The project also includes the construction of new access roads and paths, together with investments in the control and monitoring of the new facility, fire management and security. This is how Canada becomes a clean energy superpower — by working with Indigenous partners, reducing emissions and investing in nation-building infrastructure that delivers economic and environmental results. Quotes "This is what bold, community-led action looks like. The Anahim Lake Solar Project — now Canada's largest off-grid solar initiative — marks a major step forward in reducing emissions, strengthening local economies and advancing economic reconciliation. With construction now underway, we're proving that Canada has what it takes to lead in the global clean energy transition — and that we're doing it in partnership with Indigenous Peoples." The Honourable Tim HodgsonMinister of Energy and Natural Resources "We are proud to be part of this important milestone, helping the Ulkatcho First Nation transition from diesel to sustainable solar energy. This project underscores the federal government's commitment to supporting green energy initiatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing reconciliation." The Honourable Stephen FuhrMember of Parliament for Kelowna and Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) "BC Hydro is driving renewable energy innovation in remote communities by bringing leading-edge technology into the Anahim Lake Station and investing in advanced battery storage and microgrid technology. Our collaboration with Ulkatcho Energy Corporation not only sets the foundation for future partnerships with First Nations across the province but also underscores BC Hydro's commitment to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives — ensuring reliable, sustainable power for generations to come." Chris O'RileyPresident and CEO, BC Hydro "As Canada strives toward its commitments to mitigate the effects of climate change, the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation sees this as an excellent opportunity — not only to diversify the activities of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies but also to play a critical role in ultimately displacing the use of diesel and generating clean electricity for the community. The Anahim Lake Solar Project is truly a model of meaningful public-private-community partnerships (PPCP) for today's much-needed resource development across Canada — with Multi-Inputs Area Development (MIAD) through blended financing." Al-Nashir JamalChairman of the Board, Ulkatcho Group of Companies Quick Facts The federal government is investing $4,957,168 in this project through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program (CERRC) and $11,880,750 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $2,376,150, the Ulkatcho First Nation is contributing $818,300 and the Community Energy Diesel Reduction program and B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which are administered by the BC New Relationship Trust and funded by the federal and B.C. governments, are contributing $1,765,800 and $290,740 respectively. The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy demonstration, deployment and capacity-building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable technologies. Associated Links Ulkatcho First Nation to house largest off-grid solar project in Canada Ulkatcho First Nation BC Hydro - Anahim Lake Station Upgrade 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative Green Infrastructure Stream Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Katy Perry Supports Migrants Amid ICE Raids: ‘Deep Injustice'
Katy Perry is voicing her support for migrants. On Tuesday night, the pop star highlighted Los Angeles' Mexican roots with reposts via her Instagram stories. One described the ICE raids on immigrants as a 'huge injustice' on the communities who've lived there for generations. 'This was once Mexican land, and the people being targeted today are often descendants of those who have lived here for generations — or who came seeking safety, work, and dignity,' read one of the posts shared by Perry. More from Rolling Stone Los Angeles ICE Raids Are Driving Immigrants - And Citizens - Underground Some Trump Officials Now Fear Elon's 'Burn Book' Masked ICE Agents Detain 9-Month-Pregnant U.S. Citizen in L.A. Crackdown In another, Perry's repost highlighted how L.A. has 'seen borders shift' and how 'the people [here] — especially the brown and Indigenous people — have always been there, planting roots, building lives, raising families,' the post read. 'And now in 2025, the descendants of those same communities are being hunted like criminals in their own ancestral home.' 'It's more than infuriating — it's a deep injustice,' the post continued. 'How can a city built on Mexican labor, Mexican history, and Mexican culture turn around and criminalize the very people who shaped it?' Perry joins a long list of celebrities standing by immigrants, and who are speaking out against President Donald Trump's ICE raids and deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Ivan Cornejo, and Finneas, are among the artists speaking out against the president's deployment and ICE raids. Protests have been taking place across the country over the last several days in opposition of the tactics the federal government has implemented to target immigrant communities. ICE agents have appeared to ignore due process, arresting migrants at immigration hearings; arrested a mother who was holding her baby; and are carrying out round-ups at workplaces and construction sites. Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Michael Sabia to Leave Hydro-Québec to Take on New Challenges
MONTREAL, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Hydro-Québec President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Sabia, informed the Chair of the Board, Manon Brouillette, that he will end his mandate on July 4th to take on the role of Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet of the Government of Canada. « Hydro-Québec is at the heart of an energy and economic transition of the utmost importance for Québec. Over the last two years, Michael and his team have given our institution an ambitious and concrete plan to meet the challenges of this transition using the expertise and the professionalism of all our employees, highlighted Manon Brouillette. In addition to having diversified our renewable energy sources, he established genuine partnerships with Indigenous communities and our neighbours in Newfoundland and Labrador. On behalf of Hydro-Québec's directors, I thank Michael for his exceptional work and his leadership. I am confident that he will use his vast experience to serve our country well. » « Prime Minister Carney asked me to take on this role at a time when the country is facing some unprecedented challenges. In that context, I am joining the federal government to tackle these challenge head on, said Michael Sabia. When I arrived at Hydro-Québec, I was taken by Premier Legault's vision of Québec's energy and economic future, and the essential role Hydro-Québec needed to play in contributing to build that future. Today, I have full confidence that Hydro-Québec is on the right track. Eighteen months ago, we launched an ambitious plan. Thanks to talented people and devoted leaders, the organization is well underway to executing this plan, which includes a new agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro as well as the new foundations we are laying in our relationships with First Nations and the Inuit. I would like to thank the Chair of the Board, Manon Brouillette, as well as all directors for their support in launching the initiatives we have put in place. Most important, I would like to thank the 23 000 men and women of Hydro-Québec who are at the service of Quebecers every day. It's to all of you that I owe my gratitude for your dedication in building this great Québec institution. » Appointment of the next President and CEO In the coming weeks, the Board of Directors will identify a potential successor and will make a recommendation to the Government of Québec in order to nominate a leader to continue implementing Hydro-Québec's ambitious mission. All stakeholders can count on Hydro-Québec's seasoned executive team, which will continue to ensure the plan is being delivered. SOURCE Hydro-Québec View original content: