8 Introduction

The Constituent Assembly formulated for the writing of the 2008 Constitution was a “… very loose and diverse grouping of social- movement activists, academics, and nongovernmental organization (NGO) leaders… (Becker 2010: 49). These constituents consisted of members from multiple indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian organizations including CONAIE, Pachakutik, and FENOCIN. Partnered with President Correa, members of these organizations wrote the first document in Ecuadorian history to include provisions protecting the Rights of Nature, grant land autonomy and protection, and require the teachings of indigenous languages in schools.

The writing of the 2008 Ecuadorian Constitution sparked controversy within indigenous organizations and political groups. Indigenous leaders like Marlon Santi complained that “Correa’s emphasis on individual rights and the idea of a ‘universal citizen; excluded indigenous people… ” (Becker 2010: 48). Santi also asserts that “his [Correa] citizens’ revolution deemphasized social movements and reinforced colonial and liberal ideologies that oppressed and erased the unique histories of indigenous nationalities” (Becker 2010: 48). Many Ecuadorian grassroots were distrusting of Correa’s government prior to the writing of the 2008 Constitution, however, Indigenous leaders made the difficult decision between accepting the new constitution or reject it and miss the opportunity to include policies that ensure the advancement of Indigenous people. After choosing to work with President Corea, Indigenous organizations soon found that this administration was inconsistent in its implementation of electoral promises. They were now forced to hold the Correa administration accountable for adhering to these promises. In this paper, I will be exploring indigenous movements surrounding the writing of the 2008 constitution and the response of the government. I will also examine the tactics used by the government to silence and suppress indigenous organizations.