The indigenous peoples of Ecuador from the perspective of the state: a critical analysis from the national strike of 2022

Abstract

The objective of this work is to conduct a critical analysis of the situation of the Indigenous peoples of Ecuador, from the perspective of the State, from the National Strike that occurred in June 2022. The methodology used had a descriptive scope, being qualitative. A documentary review was conducted, in which a historical-logical analysis was made, from the promulgation of the Constitution of 1830 to that conducted in 2008, passing through the Constitution of 1929, 1945, 1946, 1978 and 1998, to highlight the treatment of the Indigenous peoples and nationalities of Ecuador. In the same way, the application of the analysis-synthesis method made it possible to discuss and establish conclusions on the subject. In this sense, it can be asserted that the Indigenous peoples of Ecuador have faced through the years, by the self-proclaimed democratic governments, a denigrating, unequal treatment, exclusion, and lack of civil, political, economic, cultural rights, human and dignity. Added to this is the existence of a State lacking public policy, incapable of understanding Indigenous peoples and oblivious to their needs. Added to the previous situation is the delicate context that the country is experiencing, a product of defragmentation and social violence, the restructuring of the family nucleus, the accelerated process of acculturation, the discouragement of citizens, the precarious health situation due to COVID-19, the weakening of the economy and the lack of hope on the part of the youth for the future. All this led to a national strike in June 2022 that, although the social conflict after 18 days of mobilization, ended when the peace agreement was signed between the government and Indigenous organizations, it is far from a solution.