Ecuador’s 2008 constitution, Sumak Kawsay, and indigenous rights : Tensions between a progressive constitution and state actions against Ecuador’s indigenous populations

This research paper explores the contradictions between the Constitution of 2008 and the actions taken by the government between 2008 and 2017. The government of Rafael Correa defended this Constitution as a political project but once approved, as time went on, this Constitution and the daily actions taken started to feel contradictory between each other. The new inclusive Constitution of 2008 besides being multicultural and pluri-ethnic also includes integrally rights of indigenous people and nature. It also included the Sumak Kawsay worldview giving it even more inclusive character. But, an Eurocentric perspective of a state itself as well as the practices regarding to the economic field began to place this integrity of indigenous peoples at risk. It is so, that the findings of this study show that the application of law is not reflected in reality. Specially in the Ecuadorian amazon region, which is the scene of multiple repressive actions against communities who resist in defense of their rights and territory towards an increase of oil and mining exploration and exploitation. By approaching three cases of murders within the Amazon region in different time, places and (estrange) circumstances -between 2008 and 2017- this study analyzes the different perspectives from which these cases are addressed. This research paper will reaffirm the fact that the abuses, discrimination and violation of indigenous people’s rights and their territories in the past government are responsibility of the state as such. But, also as a result of a political current which held power but despite its initial commitment with minorities economical interest predominated.