THE COMMUNITIES

The Achuar population in Peru consists of approximately 12,500 people who live in more than 77 communities. The Achuar people live along various rivers: the Pastaza (14 communities), Huitoyacu (18 communities), Huasaga (20 communities) and Corrientes (25 communities), as well as communities along the Manchari and Morona rivers.

Community leadership

The Achuar people have kept their traditional organization alive. The elders have a great deal of political power because of their natural authority and leadership in society. The community leader is the Apu; this is the person who must be contacted before any activity is carried out in the community’s territory.

Organization of the communities

Traditionally, there were no communities of the kind that exist today. The Achuar lived in family groups. The Apu was the oldest person and the owner of the house. He talked with his family and with his children to organize work, direct the hunting of animals and imbue the family with a vision of the future.

Since the 1970s, the Achuar have lived in communities consisting of various families, ranging from about 100 to 500 people per community. Each community chooses its Apu. They also choose a work chief, secretary, treasurer, disciplinarian and a council member. These people are the leaders of the community.

This system was introduced by missionaries who arrived in the 1970s, bringing both the Protestant and Catholic religion. They also established primary schools, which still exist in every community.

Organizations of the Achuar communities in Peru

There are three Achuar organizations: ATI in the HuitoyacuRiver basin, ORACH in the HuasagaRiver basin, and FECONACO along the CorrientesRiver. The presidents of the organizations are chosen by the Apus of the communities. The organizations’ leaders visit the communities regularly to see how they are working and to resolve any problems that may arise.

In the Achuar communities, all activities and decisions are in accordance with communal rules and commitments. Through their representative organizations, the Achuar people defend and affirm the integrity of their territory and respect for their traditional values.