Latin America: RSAI network to defend Indigenous rights

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Latin America: RSAI network to defend Indigenous rights

Latin America: RSAI network to defend Indigenous rights

Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) is supporting a project by the Jesuit-based Indigenous Solidarity and Apostolate Network (Red Solidaridad y Apostolado Indígena or RSAI) that will help protect our common home, strengthen the leadership of Indigenous women in Latin America who are defending their ancestral territories and culture, and increase community engagement.

The project, Joining Forces for the Protection of Our Common Home and Community Engagement, will help raise awareness about the issue of extractivism and its impact, especially on Indigenous women living in Mesoamerica, the Andes, and the Amazon.

The project continues what began in 2023, when 46 Indigenous women from 21 regions of Latin America gathered at a CJI-supported event in Peru to share their experiences, knowledge, and spiritual reflections.

Coordinator: Carlos Bresciani Lecannelier, SJ

The project at a glance:

Beneficiaries

Direct: About 200 Indigenous women and youth participants in leadership training, regional meetings and territorial advocacy

Indirect: About 240 dialogue participants, plus community members

Budget:

Total budget: $107, 947 CAD (First Year; 2026-2027)
Funds requested from CJI: $52,597

Activities

Establish a women's collective that will influence RSAI's agenda
Knowledge sessions led by women leaders
Research and publication of a document on the impact of women as defenders of Mother Earth
Regional youth meetings to analyze local contexts and cultural identity
Youth regional research and report on issues such as extractivism and violence, followed by a public presentation
Design a certified diploma program on Indigenous Rights and the Amazon
Hold summits for Jesuits and Indigenous leaders to plan for the future
Prepare a comprehensive report on RSAI's impact on church-Indigenous relationship, to be shared worldwide