They found out that the alphabet of the Sáparas ended with the character W. They ate palm hearts as their main vegetable and they fished the many rivers of their jungle home.

[4] The Sápara, along with the Kichwa and Shiwiar mentioned above, have made it clear through multiple assembles, congresses, and in indigenous declarations that they do not want extractive industry, such as oil exploitation, in their territory.

[5][6] Gloria Ushigua, the current president of the Sápara Women’s association (Ashinwaka), has been leading the struggle to protect her people’s territory for a long time.

Another factor that worsens the already urgent situation is that the Ecuadorian government has been drastically cracking down on organizations and civil society opposing oil expansion.

As an outspoken voice, Ushigua has been targeted in public, harassed in her home, received threats and was included in a group of eight indigenous leaders who came under fire when formal complaints were filed with the Department of Justice.

This nomination was ratified by the Indigenous Sentence through the exercise of the Justice System in the Community of the Jandiayacu, with the participation of the Sápara elders who served as judges.

Critics believe that in order to exploit oil blocks 79 and 83, part of the Sápara territory, the Ecuadorian government is committing the offense of contempt towards indigenous justice (Article 171 of the Constitution of the Republic amongst others).

[6] Talking with Fish and Birds – The Záparo Indians in the Ecuadorian Jungle, documentary, a film by Rainer Simon (1985 Golden Bear at the International Berlin Film Festival and GDR critics' award for the feature film "THE WOMAN AND THE STRANGER"), Director of Photography: Frank Sputh, Germany 1999, 43 minutes, A Simon/Sputh-Production[8] The Last Guardians, Social & environmental documentary, by "Tierra Productions" (Joe Tucker, Adam Punzano), 44 minutes, The Last Guardians offers a unique insight into the way that indigenous people live and see the world, and also a warning of what the world stands to lose if their rights and beliefs are not respected.

Shot with the Sapara and Kichwa Nations, their messages resonate strongly in our era of climate crisis and environmental degradation, adding to the rising tide of awareness on the great value of indigenous knowledge at this time for the global community.