Living in Peru : your everyday companion

On October 18, 2009 the Shipibo-Konibo nation elected their first tribal council consisting of an Apo (Chief) and four officers. The election of the Council of the Shipibo-Konibo was the culmination of the 2nd Congress of the Shipibo-Konibo held from October 16-18 at the Institute of Bilingual Education of Yarinacocha outside of Pucallpa, Peru.

The goal of this historic and highly anticipated event was to establish an autonomous tribal government for the betterment of the Shipibo-Konibo peoples.  There were 42 villages represented at the congress and nearly 300 Shipibo-Konibo in attendance.

The first day of the congress consisted of opening ceremonies and lively discussions about tribal concerns. Speakers spoke passionately about long term problems that have plagued the Shipibo-Konibo and the need to find solutions that will improve conditions for future generations. These problems include extreme poverty, poor medical care, a serious lack of quality education and a lack of opportunities for higher education. Tribal members discussed the need for sustainable economic development and tribally owned business enterprises through out the congress.

On the second morning, the President of the Peruvian Congress, Dr. Luis Alva Castro, was present to converse with Shipibo-Konibo leaders and attendees. Guillermo Arevalo, spiritual leader of the Shipibo-Konibo, introduced the subject of the recent massacre of peaceful indigenous demonstrators in Bagua on June 5, and the Peruvian Government’s continued handling of the situation. Shipibo-Konibo leaders told Dr. Castro that the indigenous people are not terrorists, as had been characterized by the Peruvian Government in the news. They stated that indigenous Amazonians are only attempting to protect their territories from exploitative and environmentally destructive policies that would destroy their way of life. They also stated that the land belongs to the Amazonian tribes. 

The indigenous Amazonians have long felt their needs are ignored by the Peruvian Government. Dr. Castro acknowledged this by stating that the Peruvian Congress has a mission to help indigenous Peruvians improve their educational opportunities and medical care. The Shipibo-Konibo also told Dr. Castro that they want indigenous representation in the Peruvian Congress and that they want to be treated as equals among all Peruvians.

Finally, the Shipibo-Konibo asked that Dr. Castro visit their villages to see the conditions of the Shipibo-Konibo for himself, which he agreed to do. Dr. Castro was given a prepared document by the Shipibo-Konibo to take back to Lima describing their concerns and requests for change. Dr. Castro said that he would discuss these matters in Lima with President Alan Garcia.

The remainder of the congress focused on creating and voting on a governmental structure consistent with Shipibo-Konibo traditions and electing their first tribal council.  Throughout the congress, the enthusiasm and support among the Shipibo-Konibo tribal members was palatable and the theme of unity and working together was repeated by many speakers.  The banner behind the stage summed up this theme and read, “Total Unity for the Defense of Our Land, Territories, Natural Resources, Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity, Health, Education and Culture.”

The Shipibo-Konibo tribe is the fourth largest of 64 indigenous tribes in the Peruvian Amazon.  They have a population of at least 35,000 and have 140 villages along the Ucayali River, north and south of Pucallpa, Peru.  The Shipibo-Konibo are highly respected for their powerful curanderos and their unique visionary art work is internationally recognized. 

The Shipibo-Konibo have received marginal benefits from their territorial resources, but are rich in cultural heritage, and indigenous knowledge. Through the work of this congress, the Shipibo-Konibo have begun the important process of improving their conditions and their global presence.  

Congratulations to the new Apo of the Shipibo-Konibo Nation, Glorioso Castro, the Council of the Shipibo Konibo and all the Pueblos of the Shipibo-Konibo. 

The Shipibo-Konibo are in need of support in their nation building efforts.  If you are interested in learning more, or in contributing in some way, please click here for further information.