Huaorani

:This article is about the Auca Indians. For the Ecuadorian soccer team named after the Aucas, see Sociedad Deportiva Aucas.

Land rights

In 1990, the Huaorani won the rights to an indigenous reserve covering some 6,125.60 square kilometres, thus enabling a semi-autonomous existence. However, this title does not extend to subsoil minerals including extensive oil deposits. The Ecuadorian government has proceeded to license the petroleum drilling rights in the region to multinational oil corporations. The protected status of Yasuní National Park, which overlaps with the Huaorani reserve provides some measure of environmental protection.

Related Topics:
Autonomous - Minerals - Oil - Yasuní National Park

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The conflict over oil drilling rights came to head once again in 2005, as many Huaorani have vocally challenged the national government's concession of Oil Block 31 to Petrobras to drill in 1,000 km² of Yasuní National Park. A delegation of more than 100 Huaorani to Quito in July called on the national government and that of Brazilian President Lula da Silva to withdraw from Yasuni. An August assembly convoked by Moi Enomenga, ONHAE and AMWAE (Association of Huaorani Women) in the community of Tiwino (Orellana province) further rejected drilling and denounced ten Huaorani, contracted by the company to negotiate, for acting without broader support.

Related Topics:
Petrobras - Tiwino - Orellana

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