Awa

The Awá (or Kwaiker, a name given to them by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries) traditionally inhabit the regions of northern Ecuador and southern Colombia.

In Colombia, the Awa population is frequently targeted by paramilitary groups and the government’s own military forces. In the past two years, there have been at least five Awa Massacres. According to the United Nations, the Awa are currently facing extinction, along with 33 other Indigenous Peoples in Colombia.

Indigenous Peoples in Colombia

Awá Peoples send another urgent plea to evict loggers from their homeland

Apr 2, 2013 • The Awa Peoples have issued another appeal to the Brazilian government urging the immediate eviction of loggers, ranchers and... Read More

Colombia: Indigenous Peoples Still Plagued by Violence Amidst Reconciliatory Talks

Jan 17, 2013 • A lot is riding on the ongoing peace talks between the Colombian National Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces... Read More

More murders and attacks against Colombian indigenous people

Jan 25, 2012 • When Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos was elected in 2010, there was an immediate shift in the country’s policy... Read More

We Women Warriors

Mar 12, 2011 • We Women Warriors (Nosotras Mujeres Guerreras) offers stories of hope, unshakable courage and faith in the survival of indigenous... Read More

Underreported Struggles #31, October 2009

Nov 2, 2009 • In this month’s Underreported Struggles: Mexican Superior Court Orders Immediate Halt to Gold mine; Amazon mega-dams stoke new wave... Read More

Ecuador’s Indigenous movement Mobilizes for the Water

Sep 28, 2009 • A National, inclusive, non-discriminatory and peaceful effort, the “Mobilization to defend the Water” (Movilización Nacional para defender el Agua)... Read More

Underreported Struggles #29, August 2009

Sep 1, 2009 • In this month’s underreported struggles: Mapuche communities mobilize to reclaim land; Tens of Thousands Join Protests for Democracy in... Read More

At least 12 indigenous Awa massacred in Narino

Aug 27, 2009 • There has been another massacre of Indigenous People in Narino, southwestern Colombia. According to initial reports by ONIC, Colombia’s... Read More

Underreported Struggles #26, May 2009

May 31, 2009 • In this Month’s Underreported Struggles: 7,000 delegates gather in Peru for the IV Continental Indigenous Summit of Abya Yala;... Read More

Surrounded by silence, Indigenous People stand alone?

Apr 17, 2009 • When will decency, compassion and courage boil up within decent people, that they take action? That is, action within... Read More

Indigenous leaders issue “ultimatum” to FARC

Feb 23, 2009 • Indigenous authorities in Colombia and Ecuador have issued an “ultimatum” to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), demanding... Read More

Hundreds of indigenous Awa flee violence

Sep 22, 2007 • Since Tuesday, over 1000 Awá people have fled their land in the Province of Narino, Columbia, to escape a... Read More

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