Kichwa

kichwa Kichwa or Quichua refers to the Kichwa-speaking people of Ecuador. The Kichwa are a part of a much larger population in South America (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Argentina) known as the Quechuas (also Runakuna and Ingas).

The Kichwa inhabit both the highlands and lowlands of Ecuador. The way of life of the lowland Kichwa has been significantly altered only in the past few decades. Many Kichwa still hold true to their customs and cultivate yuca and other traditional foods in permaculture gardens.

The Kichwa’s current population (in Ecuador) is estimated at about 80,000 people.

Indigenous Peoples in Ecuador

Ecuador Launches Oil Auction Amid Indigenous Protests

Dec 11, 2012 • On Wednesday November 28, 2012, Ecuador began an international licensing round for 13 oil blocks – nearly ten million... Read More

Fever: A Video Guide About Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change

Jun 22, 2011 • LifeMosaic, a Scottish-based non-profit, has launched a new series of short films to help raise awareness and build knowledge... Read More

Underreported Struggles #45, December 2010

Jan 3, 2011 • In this month’s Underreported Struggles: Ecuadorian soldiers evict Kichwa community; UN approves two Resolutions from Bolivia; South Dakota OK’s... Read More

Gunshot Wounds and Evictions: Taking advantage of the Wikileaks Whiteout

Dec 15, 2010 • With the world’s media focused on Wikileaks–and activists still working though the COP16 Summit in Cancun–governments have been seizing... Read More

Ecuador: Kichwas Preparing to Defend Their Land Against Canadian Drilling

May 4, 2010 • At an historic assembly in Ecuador two weeks ago, roughly 1000 Kichwas “overwhelmingly” agreed to mobilize against the Calgary-based... 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

100 Communities opposed to oil exploration in Peru

Mar 13, 2009 • As many as 100 indigenous communities in Peru have said they will oppose attempts by the Brazilian state-owned company... Read More

I Am A Defender of the Rainforest

Nov 1, 2008 • Known as ‘Soy defensor de la selva’ in Spanish, I am a Defender of the Rainforest is an award-winning... Read More

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