Intercultural Education and Agency of Indigenous Communities: A View from the Sapara Territory

Abstract

Ethnographic analysis of education conducted within the territory of the Sapara nationality, the smallest among the Indigenous nationalities recognized within the plurinational state of Ecuador. The problems and possibilities of accessing education and the ensuing negotiation between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems are examined, particularly in remote regions of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Additionally, the agency of community members in their attempt to build a higher quality education for themselves is illustrated despite substantial problems present in the entire school system. In fact, despite overall investment in education in Ecuador, the state is not adequately investing in promoting quality education within Sapara territory, as evidenced by the lack of opportunities to attend schooling including official instruction in the Sapara language. This poses a serious threat to the survival of their language and culture.