Secoya and Cofan Tribes
The South American Rainforests of Ecuador are among the most diverse
ecosystems on Earth.
The Secoya and Cofan are two tribes of guardians of these ecosystems.
Suffering a 98% population reduction in 300 years, the Secoya now
number around 800 people - of which a few are 'Shaman' - traditional
spiritual masters. This tribe, like many others in the Amazon, are
experiencing the effects of the onslaught of mechanized, globally
active civilisations such as our own.
This August, 2005 - the tragic assassination of Don Esteban
Lucitante, an 88 year old Ecuadorian Shaman - has shocked the Secoya
and other tribes. The murderers are known and have threatened
continued killings. The Elders wish to see Justice - they do not want
revenge.
Development pressures are great and the Elders and Shaman are seen as
standing in the way of the exploitation of the Rainforest's natural
resources.
Don Esteban Lucitante - an 88 year old Secoyan Shaman - was brutally
murdered by men who have avowed to kill 'a Shaman every two months'.
Local people know who the killers are.
Don Esteban was not the first Shaman to be murdered. Due to the
frontier remoteness and escalating crimes in the oil boom towns, the
uderstaffed police need mobilization expenses to travel down river.
Three months has gone by a nothing has occcured. Funds are urgently
needed to hire a legal commitee, detective and police investigation.
By the time that this developing threat is recognised - it may well
be too late.
The aim of the appeal is to fund a private investigation that will
enable a judicial inquiry to safeguard the forest. With ongoing
threats of violence the provision of safe asylum in a neutral country
for the remaining half dozen Shaman is top priority, whilst the known
murderers are brought to justice.
The Secoya Elders and Shaman are the LAST voice of the Ecuadorian Rain Forest.
Secoya website
Contents
January 2006 Reports
Last updated on January 23, 2006