Stories of Solidarity
As Amazon Watch turns 30, we share stories from our partners and allies reflecting on the true meaning of solidarity and the connections that have endured many years to help defend the Amazon and Indigenous rights.
Aura Tegría Cristancho on Resistance, Friendship, and Defending Mother Earth
U’wa leader and lawyer Aura Tegría Cristancho reflects on 30 years of solidarity between the U’wa people of Colombia and Amazon Watch – our longest-standing Indigenous partnership.
From resisting oil and gas extraction on U’wa territory to securing a historic victory before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the U’wa struggle has united us across decades of campaigns, advocacy, and friendship.
Looking back, Aura says “these are all places that we have walked together” and offers her hope that Sira, Mother Earth, and the ancestors will allow us to continue that shared struggle for another 30 years.
Mayalú Txucarramãe on Walking Together Over Decades and Generations
Mayalú Txucarramãe, Executive Coordinator of the Raoni Institute and a long-time leader of the Kayapó Mebêngôkre and Wauja peoples, reflects on Amazon Watch's decades of partnership with Indigenous peoples of the Brazilian Amazon – and the people who have made that solidarity possible.
The daughter of Chief Megaron Txucarramae and grandniece of legendary Kayapó Chief Raoni Metuktire, Mayalú has also joined with Ecuador's Mujeres Amazónicas and other Indigenous women defenders to build relationships and strengthen resistance across the Amazon.
“Thank you for holding our hands and not letting go of the hands of Indigenous peoples.” After decades of walking together, she says, “I'm counting on you. We are together.”
Alessandra Korap Munduruku on Partnership and True Friendship
When COVID reached the Brazilian Amazon, Indigenous communities faced a devastating crisis with little access to lifesaving care.
Through the Amazon Defenders Fund, Amazon Watch provided oxygen concentrators to the Munduruku people.
Indigenous leader Alessandra Korap Munduruku recalls: “It was at that moment I saw Amazon Watch as more than a partnership. It was a true friend. We had a partnership like a family.”
From Sarayaku to Paris by Canoe
What happens when the Kichwa people of Sarayaku and Amazon Watch decide to take a canoe all the way to Paris for COP21?
Paty Gualinga recalls an unforgettable chapter in a 30-year partnership filled with adventure, unexpected challenges, and determination.
Together, Sarayaku and Amazon Watch crossed borders and oceans to bring Amazonian voices to the global climate movement. Solidarity means being there through the good, the bad, and the inconvenient, and continuing the journey together.
Donald Moncayo Recalls a ToxiTour
Donald Moncayo, president of the United Peoples affected by Texaco, reflects on solidarity in practice through ToxiTours in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where communities guide visitors through oil-contaminated sites left by Chevron and reveal the ongoing impacts on land, health, and culture.
Donald recalls how Amazon Watch’s Kevin Koenig and founder Atossa Soltani joined a ToxiTour to listen, learn, and stand alongside communities fighting for justice.
From these difficult encounters grow trust, unity, and lasting relationships.
Ingrid Mojanajinsoy on Indigenous Leadership, Partnership, and the Amazon
Inga leader Ingrid Mojanajinsoy from Colombia shares what true partnership means from her community's perspective.
She reflects on Amazon Watch's visits to her territory, our work together to strengthen the Indigenous Guards and traditional medicine, and why honoring the spiritual foundations of Indigenous Peoples is essential to protecting the Amazon.
Amazon Watch is honored to share the voices of the Indigenous leaders like Ingrid who inspire and guide this movement.
Olivia Bisa Confronts the Banks
Olivia Bisa Tirko, president of the Chapra Nation, recalls traveling to New York to confront bank executives whose investments threatened her territory.
Amazon Watch supported her journey, helping bring Indigenous voices directly to those financing environmental and human rights abuses.
Her story is one of courage, solidarity, and the power of Indigenous leadership to protect the Amazon.
Amazon Watch Turns 30
What began as a commitment to stand alongside frontline Indigenous communities has grown into a global movement for rainforest protection, Indigenous rights, and climate justice.
One truth has only deepened over three decades: the most effective way to protect the Amazon is to stand with the Indigenous Peoples who have defended these forests for generations. That is what has always guided our work, and what always will.
This is the story of how it all started.
