BACKGROUND

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The majority of the indigenous Shwar of Ecuador live in the Amazon. But, those that live on the coast are still Shwar. They have the same blood, history, and customs. They just have a slightly different story (read the history at the button to the left under "history"). Over 183 years of life on the coast this family (keep in mid that a "family" means a very large extended family) has been exposed to more Spanish culture than those in the Amazon. Due to both positive and negative influences, the family has integrated with the Spanish to the extent necesary. Some now have jobs other than just working their land and hunting, some are pursuing higher education, and all are trying to take care of their families the best possible. But, this integration with the Spanish population is causing them to use less of their customs and traditins in their daily lives. For example, they cannot dress in traditional clothing to go to work in an office. They cannot hunt for food as in the past (there are fewer animals and more laws). The community feels sad about these losses. They are proud of their heritage. So, in an effort to both support their families and maintain their heritage for there children and the general public, they are sharing their culture through tourism activities.

 

A a US Peace Corp volunteer who lives in Bucay and works with this Shwar community daily, I invite you to visit, to get a taste of the indigenous history of Ecuador, and to open your heart to the experience of this family. And, if you don't have time to make it to the Amazon on this vacation, this is a taste of the real deal, just a lot closer!

 

Cherith Chapman

US Peace Corp Volunteer 2012 - 2014

 

 

HISTORY

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This indigenous Shwar community, located along the side of the Limon River in Canton Bucay, Ecuador, are descendants of a Shwar leader named Yacum. Yacum was from the Ecuadorian Amazon. In 1830 Yacum and two of his sons left the Amazon looking for a place to live that was similar to what they were used to geographically but that was far away from the wars between tribes in the Amazon. Yacum was a peaceful man and wanted to find a place for his family to live a more peaceful existence. He and his sons discovered the area where this commnity is now located but also much of the larger surrounding area. Once they decided that they liked this area they returned to the Amazon and brought back their families. The land was divided amongst the various families who settled here and they lived for many years in peace. However, they were eventually forced into conflicts with the Spanish and their numbers dwindled to what they are today. This is a very simplified version of this history. To read the entire written history please click on this link (5 pages):

 

 

 

 

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