wayfinders circle governance report english - Flipbook - Page 27
a) The Achuar Nation |
ECUADOR
The Achuar people of the Ecuadorian Amazon have been living along the Pastaza and Morona Rivers for
thousands of years. The Achuar live across an area which includes large territories in both Ecuador and Peru,
along both sides of the border. The Achuar in Ecuador have a legally recognized territory of 680,000 hectares,
and the full expanse of their territory is 800,000 hectares of tropical rainforest, lakes and rivers. This is one of
the healthiest tropical forests in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and one of the most biodiverse in the world.
01
TROPICAL FORESTS
The Achuar of Ecuador have a clear governance structure organized across 88 communities and 21 associations. Each community is composed of family members and has its own elected representatives. Communities are organized in associations, which have their own representatives. In the 1990s, under pressure from oil
companies, the Achuar formed the first Achuar overall representative organization. Over the years this
organization evolved and in 2005 the Federation of the Achuar Nation of Ecuador (NAE) was established.
The NAE represents Achuar communities and associations at the national and international level, and NAE
leaders are elected every three years in a congress where at least five representatives from each community
participate. The role of the leaders is to implement the decisions made jointly during the congress and the
annual assemblies. For example, in the congress and annual assemblies, the leaders report on what has
happened during the last year and receive guidance on policy, projects, and priorities of the Achuar people
of Ecuador. This governance structure allows each community and association to maintain their autonomy,
while simultaneously benefitting from the defense and maintenance of the Achuar territory and culture.
The sacred places of the Achuar are where Arútam (the sacred source) resides; and these places are treated
with respect. Arútam is imbued everywhere in the forest, the plants, and the animals. Though no one person
is born with Arútam, each person has to find it; and if they don't find it, they are unable to lead a fulfilling life.
The Achuar receive Arútam wisdom by communicating with their ancestral souls, and all children are taught
how to communicate and receive it. Arútam can come in many forms such as visions from a powerful animal,
a mountain, or a natural phenomenon. These visions represent valuable lessons. Arútam gives the Achuar
power, energy, and skills, and tells them how to live a good life. This is what guides them to this day.
ACHUAR
NATION
GOVERNANCE REPORT
|
APRIL 2022
27
