By Lorena Mendoza Egúsquiza
Puyo, Ecuador — The month of May has been filled with joy and activity at the Living School of the Amazon (EVA). From celebrating the Day of Indigenous Nationalities in Pastaza to seeing one of our students elected to the leadership board of an important Indigenous organization in the Ecuadorian Amazon, there is much to share with everyone who closely follows the growth and journey of our school.
Celebrating the Day of Indigenous Nationalities in Pastaza
EVA students took part in the parade commemorating the Day of Indigenous Nationalities in Puyo, proudly representing their peoples and the school. The event was marked by joy, unity, and recognition of the diverse Indigenous nations that sustain life in the Amazon.
We also celebrate the recognition of our colleague Dayme Omaca, from the Waorani Nation, who was named Queen and Princess of the Nationalities of Pastaza.
This annual mobilization takes place every May 11 to commemorate the historic Great March of 1992, when thousands of Indigenous people walked to Quito to demand the recognition and legalization of more than one million hectares of ancestral territories.
An EVA Student Takes on Youth Leadership in PAKKIRU
The Living School of the Amazon also celebrates an important achievement for Indigenous youth leadership. During PAKKIRU’s elections, held on May 1 in Sarayaku, Noa Yoshira, a graduate of EVA’s Class of 2025 and recognized as the top student of her cohort, was elected Youth Leader of the organization's new executive board.
Her election marks an important step toward strengthening Indigenous youth participation in spaces of representation and decision-making, while also reflecting the commitment of EVA students to their territories and organizations.
On May 11, the ceremonial transfer of the staff of authority to the new executive council took place, marking the beginning of a new organizational chapter for PAKKIRU.
Photo: Moipa / EVA