Indigenous resistance and the fight for their rights in the republican life of Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: Although the Ecuadorian republican experience saw the proclamation of independence from the Spanish crown, it did not immediately translate into the liberation of Indigenous peoples. On the contrary, republican life inherited, and even radicalized, the structures of colonial domination and exploitation, relegating Indigenous populations to a condition of marginalization, enslavement, and dispossession. This reality was not passively accepted. Indigenous resistance, manifested in diverse forms and over two centuries, has been a constant, powerful, and fundamental factor in shaping Ecuadorian society, driving a tireless struggle for recognition and the enjoyment of their rights. This analysis will trace the development of this resistance, its key milestones, key actors, primary demands, and the impact of their struggle on building a more equitable and plurinational Ecuador. The research employed bibliographic methods, qualitative techniques, and analytical-synthetic approaches for the accurate segmentation of theoretical information, which is of great academic importance. Finally, the document concludes with an analysis of the Indigenous struggle for their rights and constitutional recognition, emphasizing the need for an informed and respectful academic debate that prioritizes the rights and well-being of Ecuadorian citizens. Therefore, the objective of this work is to concisely analyze the evolution of Indigenous resistance and the various forms of struggle for the recognition and exercise of their rights throughout Ecuador's republican history.