Latest news with #Waorani
The Independent
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
California is to examine its Amazon oil ties following pleas from Indigenous leaders from Ecuador
An oil tanker sat docked at Chevron's sprawling refinery in Richmond on Thursday — a visible link between California's appetite for Amazon crude and the remote rainforest territories where it's extracted. Just offshore, bundled in puffy jackets against the Bay wind, Indigenous leaders from Ecuador's Amazon paddled kayaks through choppy waters, calling attention to the oil expansion threatening their lands. Their visit to California helped prompt the state Senate to introduce a landmark resolution urging officials to examine the state's role in importing crude from the Amazon. The move comes as Ecuador's government prepares to auction off 14 new oil blocks — covering more than 2 million hectares of rainforest, much of it Indigenous territory — in a 2026 bidding round known as 'Sur Oriente.' The Indigenous leaders say the move goes against the spirit of a national referendum in which Ecuadorians voted to leave crude oil permanently underground in Yasuni National Park. The preservation push in Ecuador comes as another South American country that includes part of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil, is moving ahead with plans to further develop oil resources. On Tuesday, Brazil auctioned off several land and offshore potential oil sites near the Amazon River as it aims to expand production in untapped regions despite protests from environmental and Indigenous groups. Juan Bay, president of the Waorani people of Ecuador, said that his delegation's coming to California was 'important so that our voices, our stance, and our struggle can be elevated' and urged Californians to reexamine the source of their crude from the Amazon — 'from Waorani Indigenous territory." On Thursday, the Indigenous delegation joined local Californians in Richmond for a kayaking trip near a Chevron refinery, sharing stories about the Amazon and perspectives on climate threats. For Nadino Calapucha, a spokesperson for the Kichwa Pakkiru people, the visit to California's Bay Area was deeply moving. Spotting seals in the water and a bird's nest nearby felt ¨like a gesture of solidarity from nature itself," he told The Associated Press on a kayak. 'It was as if the animals were welcoming us,' he said. The connection between the Amazon and California — both facing environmental threats — was palpable, Calapucha said. ¨Being here with our brothers and sisters, with the local communities also fighting — in the end, we feel that the struggle is the same,¨ he said. California is the largest global consumer of Amazon oil, with much of it refined and used in the state as fuel. Ecuador is the region's top producer of onshore crude. Bay highlighted a March 2025 ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which found that Ecuador had violated the rights of the area's Indigenous groups by allowing oil operations in and around a site known as Block 43. The court ordered the government to halt extraction in protected areas and uphold the 2023 referendum banning drilling in Yasuni National Park, where the country's largest crude reserve lies, estimated at around 1.7 billion barrels. Bay appealed to the California government to reconsider if it 'should continue receiving crude from the Amazon' — or continue to be 'complicit in the violation of rights" happening on Indigenous territory. Defending Indigenous rights State Senator Josh Becker, who introduced the new resolution, praised the visiting leaders for defending both their land and the global climate. 'Their communities are on the front lines asserting their rights and resisting oil extraction," Becker said on the Senate floor on Monday. 'They are defenders of a living rainforest that stores carbon, regulates the global climate, and sustains life.' Long criticized by environmental justice advocates, the refinery has processed millions of barrels of Amazon crude, fueling concerns over pollution, public health, and the state's role in rainforest destruction. The delegation also helped launch a new report by Amazon Watch, an Oakland-based non-profit dedicated to the protection of the Amazon Basin, which outlines the climate, legal and financial risks of operating in Indigenous territories without consent. 'Addiction to Amazon crude' Kevin Koenig, Amazon Watch's director for climate, energy and extraction industry, said the impacts of Amazon crude extend far beyond Ecuador. He joined the Ecuadorian delegation on the kayaking trip on Thursday. 'The Golden State, if it wants to be a climate leader, needs to take action," he told AP. 'California has an addiction to Amazon crude.' Californians need to "recognize their responsibility and their complicity in driving demand for Amazon crude and the impact that that is having on Indigenous people, on their rights, on the biodiversity and the climate,' he added. California's future is closely tied to the Amazon's — the state relies on the rainforest's role in climate regulation and rainfall, Koenig said, warning that continued Amazon crude imports contribute to the very destruction increasing California's vulnerability to drought and wildfires. He said environmental and public health damage tied to oil drilling is not confined to South America. 'We're seeing the same impacts from the oil well to the wheel here in California, where communities are suffering from contamination, health impacts, dirty water,' he said. 'It's time that California lead an energy transition." California, one of the world's largest economies and a major importer of Amazon crude, must take stronger climate action, Koenig added and called on the state to phase out its reliance on oil linked to deforestation, human rights abuses, pollution, and climate damage. The resolution commends the Indigenous communities of Ecuador for their struggle in defending the rainforest and Indigenous rights. It also marks the first time California would examine how its energy consumption may contribute to the region's deforestation and cultural loss. The resolution is expected to be up for a vote within a few weeks, according to Koenig. ___ ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Associated Press
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
California is to examine its Amazon oil ties following pleas from Indigenous leaders from Ecuador
RICHMOND, California (AP) — An oil tanker sat docked at Chevron's sprawling refinery in Richmond on Thursday — a visible link between California's appetite for Amazon crude and the remote rainforest territories where it's extracted. Just offshore, bundled in puffy jackets against the Bay wind, Indigenous leaders from Ecuador's Amazon paddled kayaks through choppy waters, calling attention to the oil expansion threatening their lands. Their visit to California helped prompt the state Senate to introduce a landmark resolution urging officials to examine the state's role in importing crude from the Amazon. The move comes as Ecuador's government prepares to auction off 14 new oil blocks — covering more than 2 million hectares of rainforest, much of it Indigenous territory — in a 2026 bidding round known as 'Sur Oriente.' The Indigenous leaders say the move goes against the spirit of a national referendum in which Ecuadorians voted to leave crude oil permanently underground in Yasuni National Park. The preservation push in Ecuador comes as another South American country that includes part of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil, is moving ahead with plans to further develop oil resources. On Tuesday, Brazil auctioned off several land and offshore potential oil sites near the Amazon River as it aims to expand production in untapped regions despite protests from environmental and Indigenous groups. Indigenous voices Juan Bay, president of the Waorani people of Ecuador, said that his delegation's coming to California was 'important so that our voices, our stance, and our struggle can be elevated' and urged Californians to reexamine the source of their crude from the Amazon — 'from Waorani Indigenous territory.' On Thursday, the Indigenous delegation joined local Californians in Richmond for a kayaking trip near a Chevron refinery, sharing stories about the Amazon and perspectives on climate threats. For Nadino Calapucha, a spokesperson for the Kichwa Pakkiru people, the visit to California's Bay Area was deeply moving. Spotting seals in the water and a bird's nest nearby felt ¨like a gesture of solidarity from nature itself,' he told The Associated Press on a kayak. 'It was as if the animals were welcoming us,' he said. The connection between the Amazon and California — both facing environmental threats — was palpable, Calapucha said. ¨Being here with our brothers and sisters, with the local communities also fighting — in the end, we feel that the struggle is the same,¨ he said. California is the largest global consumer of Amazon oil, with much of it refined and used in the state as fuel. Ecuador is the region's top producer of onshore crude. Bay highlighted a March 2025 ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which found that Ecuador had violated the rights of the area's Indigenous groups by allowing oil operations in and around a site known as Block 43. The court ordered the government to halt extraction in protected areas and uphold the 2023 referendum banning drilling in Yasuni National Park, where the country's largest crude reserve lies, estimated at around 1.7 billion barrels. Bay appealed to the California government to reconsider if it 'should continue receiving crude from the Amazon' — or continue to be 'complicit in the violation of rights' happening on Indigenous territory. Defending Indigenous rights State Senator Josh Becker, who introduced the new resolution, praised the visiting leaders for defending both their land and the global climate. 'Their communities are on the front lines asserting their rights and resisting oil extraction,' Becker said on the Senate floor on Monday. 'They are defenders of a living rainforest that stores carbon, regulates the global climate, and sustains life.' Long criticized by environmental justice advocates, the refinery has processed millions of barrels of Amazon crude, fueling concerns over pollution, public health, and the state's role in rainforest destruction. The delegation also helped launch a new report by Amazon Watch, an Oakland-based non-profit dedicated to the protection of the Amazon Basin, which outlines the climate, legal and financial risks of operating in Indigenous territories without consent. 'Addiction to Amazon crude' Kevin Koenig, Amazon Watch's director for climate, energy and extraction industry, said the impacts of Amazon crude extend far beyond Ecuador. He joined the Ecuadorian delegation on the kayaking trip on Thursday. 'The Golden State, if it wants to be a climate leader, needs to take action,' he told AP. 'California has an addiction to Amazon crude.' Californians need to 'recognize their responsibility and their complicity in driving demand for Amazon crude and the impact that that is having on Indigenous people, on their rights, on the biodiversity and the climate,' he added. California's future is closely tied to the Amazon's — the state relies on the rainforest's role in climate regulation and rainfall, Koenig said, warning that continued Amazon crude imports contribute to the very destruction increasing California's vulnerability to drought and wildfires. He said environmental and public health damage tied to oil drilling is not confined to South America. 'We're seeing the same impacts from the oil well to the wheel here in California, where communities are suffering from contamination, health impacts, dirty water,' he said. 'It's time that California lead an energy transition.' California, one of the world's largest economies and a major importer of Amazon crude, must take stronger climate action, Koenig added and called on the state to phase out its reliance on oil linked to deforestation, human rights abuses, pollution, and climate damage. The resolution commends the Indigenous communities of Ecuador for their struggle in defending the rainforest and Indigenous rights. It also marks the first time California would examine how its energy consumption may contribute to the region's deforestation and cultural loss. The resolution is expected to be up for a vote within a few weeks, according to Koenig. ___ Follow Steven Grattan on X: @sjgrattan ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
This 500-kilo anaconda discovered in Ecuadorian rainforest is the largest snake ever found
500-kilo anaconda discovered in Ecuadorian In the vast and biodiverse rainforests of the Amazon, nature continues to reveal its remarkable secrets. In 2024, scientists announced the discovery of a new species of anaconda that has stunned the world — a colossal snake weighing up to 500 kilograms (about 1,100 pounds) and stretching an astonishing 7.5 meters (approximately 24.6 feet). Found in Ecuador's Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, this Northern Green Anaconda species not only surpasses the previously known green anaconda in size and weight but also enriches our understanding of Amazonian biodiversity and ecological complexity. This discovery holds immense significance for the scientific community, indigenous peoples, and conservationists alike. It validates long-held indigenous knowledge, highlights urgent conservation needs, and offers fascinating insights into evolutionary biology. Meet the Northern Green Anaconda: The 7.5 meter, 500 kilo giant snake The newly identified Northern Green Anaconda species is a true giant of the snake world. Measuring up to 7.5 meters long and weighing an incredible 500 kilograms, this serpent surpasses the southern green anaconda, once considered the largest snake species on Earth. Its massive size earned it the status of the heaviest and longest snake ever recorded, a feat confirmed through scientific measurement and DNA analysis conducted in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Viral Video: मृत्यू कसाही येऊ शकतो! सीसीटीव्हीत कैद झाली काळीज पिळवटणारी घटना Latest News Read More Undo This new species' immense power and size underline the ecological importance of anacondas as apex predators within their rainforest habitat, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Amazon's new anaconda species evolved independently for 10 million years, DNA shows DNA research conducted on the new species reveals it diverged from its closest relative, the southern green anaconda, roughly 10 million years ago. Genetically, it shows a 5.5% difference, a significant gap that confirms it as a distinct species rather than a mere regional variant. This evolutionary split emphasizes the complex biogeographical history of the Amazon rainforest and underscores how isolated populations adapt and evolve independently over millions of years. Understanding these evolutionary pathways helps scientists grasp how environmental changes and geographical barriers shape species diversity. New anaconda species discovery rooted in Waorani indigenous knowledge Long before scientists confirmed this new species, the Waorani indigenous tribe of Ecuador had spoken of enormous snakes measuring up to 7.5 meters. Their oral history and deep connection with the rainforest ecosystem provided crucial clues that guided researchers to the snake's habitat. The Waorani's traditional ecological knowledge, rooted in generations of observation and respect for nature, has now been validated by modern science. This collaboration between indigenous communities and researchers exemplifies the value of combining ancestral wisdom with contemporary methods to uncover and protect biodiversity. How anacondas regulate Amazon wildlife Anacondas play a critical role as apex predators in the Amazon rainforest, regulating prey populations such as deer, capybaras, and even jaguars. Their hunting strategy relies on stealth and immense muscular strength; they constrict prey by squeezing bones with powerful muscles before swallowing them whole. By controlling populations of medium to large-sized mammals, anacondas help maintain the balance within the food web, which supports overall rainforest health and biodiversity. Healthy predator populations are often indicators of thriving ecosystems with clean water and rich flora and fauna diversity. Amazon's biggest snake battles for survival amid human threats Despite their formidable presence, these giant snakes face serious threats. Illegal wildlife trading poses a significant danger as poachers capture and sell exotic animals, including snakes, on black markets. Habitat degradation caused by deforestation, logging, and climate change further threatens their survival by fragmenting their living spaces and disrupting food sources. Scientists urge immediate conservation measures to protect this new species and its rainforest habitat. Preserving large, contiguous forest areas, regulating illegal trade, and incorporating indigenous stewardship are critical steps needed to ensure these majestic snakes continue to thrive. New anaconda species discovered in Ecuador The initial observations of this new anaconda species came from Ecuador's Baihuaeri Waorani Territory, an area known for its rich biodiversity and largely pristine rainforest. Researchers worked closely with local indigenous groups to locate, observe, and capture specimens for scientific study. This collaboration exemplifies how integrating local knowledge with modern science can accelerate discoveries and promote sustainable conservation. The formal scientific verification of the species was a milestone in understanding Amazonian wildlife and enhancing global biodiversity records. What the future holds for the Northern Green Anaconda The discovery of the Northern Green Anaconda is a powerful reminder of the unexplored mysteries still hidden within the Amazon rainforest. However, its future is precarious due to mounting environmental pressures. Conservationists emphasize the importance of continued research, habitat protection, and public awareness to prevent the decline of this species and others sharing the rainforest. The snake's existence also offers valuable opportunities for ecological education, scientific study, and indigenous empowerment, promoting a more holistic approach to wildlife conservation that respects both nature and culture.
News18
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
AI Or Real? Video Shows Giant Anaconda Slithering Through Stream In Amazon
Last Updated: Earlier in April, a never-before-seen species of anaconda was discovered in the Amazon rainforest during the shooting of a National Geographic series, hosted by Will Smith. An astonishing video has surfaced online, featuring a giant anaconda slithering through a stream in the Amazon rainforest. After the footage went viral, many raised questions regarding its authenticity. The clip, which appeared to have been shot from a helicopter, captured the massive snake moving through a water body surrounded by lush greenery. A user on X (formerly Twitter) posted the video online with the caption, 'Once again, a big anaconda snake was seen in the Amazon forests." While some viewers asked if the video was created with the help of artificial intelligence, others were just left stunned by the rare sighting. एक बार फिर से अमेजन के जंगलों में बड़े एनाकोंडा सांप को देखा गया। — Dr. Sheetal yadav (@Sheetal2242) May 8, 2025 Anacondas are generally found deep inside the Amazonian forests. They are known to be the largest and heaviest snake species in the world, weighing more than 90 kg. These colossal reptiles are non-venomous and can grow over 20 feet long. Anacondas mostly live in swamps, marshes and slow-moving streams. The snakes can easily kill their prey by coiling around them. Despite their reputation as a fearsome creature, Anacondas are generally shy in nature and avoid human contact. A few months ago, a video created a buzz on the internet where a group of tourists in Brazil was seen capturing photos and videos of an anaconda. The snake was seen moving slowly through the water, leaving onlookers both terrified and in awe. The clip was shared on Instagram by a page named Inside History. 'Tourists in Brazil recently spotted a giant anaconda slithering through a lake after having just eaten," read the caption of the post. Earlier in April, a never-before-seen species of anaconda was discovered in the depths of the Amazon rainforest during an expedition for the shooting of a National Geographic series, hosted by Will Smith. The event unfolded within the remote region of Bameno. Accompanied by indigenous Waorani hunters, a team of scientists, led by Professor Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland, had explored some untouched areas of the Amazon for 10 days. The anacondas were spotted in shallow waters– one of their preferred habitats. The Waorani hunters had a key role in the discovery as they assisted with their deep understanding of the land and its wildlife. First Published: May 08, 2025, 18:53 IST
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
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 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 INDIGENOUS 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Marañ 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 has now been completed and was formally released, concluding that Indigenous media face severe underfunding and limited access to essential 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
