Ode to Indigenous People in Ecuador

Fuimos a UDLA
Estudiamos mucho
Ya tengo agua
Por las indigenas, lucho
Puro mestizo

Translation:
We went to UDLA
We study a lot
I already have water
For the indigenous, I fight
Pure mestizo

Background for poem:
This short but sweet limerick was written by Victoria Fulton and me. Through poetry, we share with you some of our experiences, our knowledge and the diversity of some of the people we met here in Ecuador.

Throughout these last two weeks, we - along with seven other students - have been studying diversity, development, and sustainability at one of the Universities here in Quito. The name of the University? Universidad de Las Americas - UDLA for short. Each day, we have been diligently studying. The diversity of Ecuador is overwhelming - from its cultural diversity to its biodiversity.

Ecuadoreans consider themselves indigenous, mestizo (mix of indigenous and white), white, or afroecuadorean. The indigenous people in Ecuador have been marginalized throughout history. However, in 1990, an indigenous movement began which showed everyone that indigenous people are equally important, well organized, and deserves the same rights as others. The strength of these indigenous organizations has grown. These organizations have gained political clout that is recognized by the Ecuadorean goverment. Yet we have learned, through our readings and great lectures from Ecuador's top politicos, that many indigenous communities are still some of the poorest communities in this country. For this reason, we fight.

We also fight for the right for everyone to have clean sustainable water. Ecuador is not only considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, it is also known to be the "Water Capital of the World" by the Panamerican Health Organization. Ecuador has over 2,000 rivers and streams and is only the size of Colorado! It is important that everyone in Ecuador has a sustaimable supply of clean water. On Thursday, June 23rd, Alberto Acosta, former President of the Constitutional Assembly 2008, informed us that the new 2008 constitution states water as a human right. This is great! We are only here for seven weeks and are able to get clean, cheap drinking water. It is therefore vital that everyone, no matter their socio-economic class, enjoys this same basic human right. Yaku!