By Brandi Morin (Cree/Iroquois) 

Nestled along the banks of the Bobonaza River in Ecuador’s Pastaza province is the “hidden,” thriving Kichwa community of Pakayaku. Located deep in the Amazon, reaching Pakayaku requires driving two hours from the city of Puyo to the river port, and then embarking on a nearly two-hour boat ride.

By Zuhira Musa (Fulani, CS Intern)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 December 2025


According to Indigenous organizations in Russia, Indigenous leaders and UN-engaged human rights defenders are being arrested, searched, and interrogated on fabricated charges of "terrorism" and "extremism" for their peaceful human rights work and cooperation with UN mechanisms.

A practical guide for Indigenous Peoples on using the OECD Guidelines to protect their rights.

Indigenous Peoples worldwide face increasing threats from large-scale resource extraction, agribusiness, and infrastructure projects carried out on their lands. These activities often result in loss of livelihoods, community disruption, and the erosion of cultural heritage.

By Elisa Ribeiro (CS Intern)

“I believe that giving young people the opportunity to gain experience and develop leadership skills, learn about their traditional way of life, and increase their self-esteem can pave the way for a generation of outstanding leaders who participate in all aspects of community development.” -Kim Spencer, CS Youth Fellow

By Phoebe Farris (Powhatan-Pamunkey)

By Phoebe Farris (Powhatan-Pamunkey)

By Bryan Bixcul (Maya-Tz’utujil), SIRGE Coalition Global Coordinator

By CS Staff

By Brandi Morin (Cree/Iroquois)

Photos by Julien Defourny