By Monti Aguirre | Latin America Program Coordinator
Dear friends,
Just two days ago, Awajun leaders informed me that they are eagerly preparing to visit impacted communities in Saramiriza, Nieva, Cenepa and San Ignacio. Thanks to your donation, they can begin gathering ancestral knowledge for their new constitution right away.
In a recent meeting I had with Fidel Nanantai Shawit, an Awajun leader, he told me that his ancestors said there would one day be an ugkaju – enemy of the Awajun people – who would stop the water, flood the people and swallow them. The planned dams on the Marañón River are the ugkaju.
Fidel described the importance of ancestors in planning for the future: “Our ancestors gave us a vision on our development model – we don’t want the dreams of our ancestors to fade away. We might lose all we have.”
Plans of inclusive governance were passed down from generation to generation and helped shape the core of the Awajun today. "We are a people with traditions, culture, science, technology and language. We need to lay claim to our principles, laws, norms and bylaws that the wise ones taught us. Their teaching should become the political constitution of the autonomous state of the Awajun. That is our purpose.”
The Awajun and their livelihoods are threatened, and they are uniting to stand up for their rights and against destructive dams in their territory. You’ve already come together to raise $1,375 for this project. Today is our last day to meet the $5,000 goal that will keep this project on Global Giving and keep raising critical funds for the Awajun people. Please help us reach this goal by asking your friends and family to make a donation today. Ever dollar will make a difference to helping the Awajun defend their human rights, their land, and their Marañón River from destruction.
Gracias,
Monti Aguirre
Latin America Program Coordinator
International Rivers
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