The arrest and abuse of Indigenous businessman Tupac Lema occurred because his young son used a slang word for police in the presence of a non Indian policeman.  Srta. Elsa Ramirez interviews Otavalos “on the street” for opinions during Saturday market .
A video of the first interviews with local Otavalo “persons on the street” reveals a general displeasure with representatives and a political system that have disappointed voters year after year .
The case of Tupac Lema stirred up existing racial tensions in Otavalo.  The arrest and beating of an Indian for using a slang word in Quechua that means “police” sparked a chain of events captured  in this excellent video by German Cabascango and Diego Yacelga.
Ecuador has been paralyzed for 5 days due to Indigenous manifestations against the TLC trade agreements.  No traffic is allowed to pass on the Pan American Highway, the economic artery of the highlands.  At this moment, there is no solution in sight.
A year ago, CONAIE, the national Indigenous organization, held elections.  The next morning walls in Otavalo were covered with racist, anti-Indigenous slogans.  A year later, many remain near schools and tourist centers.  Racism in Otavalo?  Still very strong!
Tio José Quimbo, provincial representative from Otavalo, speaks of the disadvantages of the TLC trade agreements to the Otavalo merchants and to rural peasants.   National strikes have paralyzed the country for six days and continue here in Imbabura.
Racism in Otavalo
Racism in Otavalo
Local Elections in Otavalo
The Government plan to privatize water has brought thousands of protesters out to the Pan American highway to shut down the country until there is a solution.  We listen to some “transportistas” who have been waiting for the roads to open. 



Un Caso Para Pensar, a documentary by “Wambra-Arte”
 
Indigenous People Strike 2010  part 2
Indigenous People Strike 2010  part 1   
Why the Indigenous People of Otavalo are against TLC
Indigenous People Strike Against ALCA
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The Indigenous communities struggled to receive water rights a generation ago.  The Government plan to privatize water has brought thousands of protesters out to the Pan American highway to shut down the country until there is a solution.
During the 90s it was a tumultuaous time for politics in Ecuador, especially for the Indigenous population!  Ecuador was closed down by manifestations against gov. corruption and apathy.
The Indigenous populaion was fed up after years and years of being ignored by the authorities! These are ten Interviews with the Otavalo area campesinos, the least represented in the country.
National Protests, January 2001,  Part 1 La Huelga
 
National Protests, January 2001,  Part 2 Las Voces - Interviews
Interview #10
Interview #9
While the country was literally shut down, Indigenous communities showed solidarity as protestors join together to give thanks and eat.  Great strides were made with these protests!
National Protests, January 2001, Part 3 - Alimento
Interview #1
Interview #6

Interview #8
Interview #3
Interview #7
Interview #2
Interview #4
Interview #5
The present mayor of Otavalo speaks of his vision for the future of the town and country.  Great improvements have been achieved since these demonstrations.
National Protests, January 2001, Part 4 - Un Mensaje
  OTAVALOVIDEOS.COM   Politics of Otavalo
Un Caso Para Pensar, a documentary by “Wambra-Arte” 
The case of Tupac Lema stirred up existing racial tensions in Otavalo.  The arrest and beating of an Indian for using a word in Quechua that means “police” sparked a chain of events captured  in this excellent video by German Cabascango and Diego Yacelga.
Indigenous People Strike 2010  part 2
The Government plan to privatize water has brought thousands of protesters out to the Pan American highway to shut down the country until there is a solution.  We listen to some “transportistas” who have been waiting for the roads to open. 
Indigenous People Strike 2010  part 1   
The Indigenous communities struggled to receive water rights a generation ago.  The Government plan to privatize water has brought thousands of protesters out to the Pan American highway to shut down the country until there is a solution.
Why the Indigenous People of Otavalo are against TLC
Tio José Quimbo, provincial representative from Otavalo, speaks of the disadvantages of the TLC trade agreements to the Otavalo merchants and to rural peasants.   National strikes have paralyzed the country for six days and continue here in Imbabura.
Indigenous People Strike Against ALCA
Ecuador has been paralyzed for 5 days due to Indigenous manifestations against the TLC trade agreements.  No traffic is allowed to pass on the Pan American Highway, the economic artery of the highlands.  At this moment, there is no solution in sight. 
Racism in Otavalo
A year ago, CONAIE, the national Indigenous organization, held elections.  The next morning walls in Otavalo were covered with racist, anti-Indigenous slogans.  A year later, many remain near schools and tourist centers.  Racism in Otavalo?  Still very strong!
The arrest and abuse of Indigenous businessman Tupac Lema occurred because his young son used a slang word for police in the presence of a non Indian policeman.  Srta. Elsa Ramirez interviews Otavalos “on the street” for opinions during Saturday market .
Local Elections in Otavalo
A video of the first interviews with local Otavalo “persons on the street” reveals a general displeasure with representatives and a political system that have disappointed voters year after year .
National Protests, January 2001,  Part 1 La Huelga
During the 90s it was a tumultuaous time for politics in Ecuador, especially for the Indigenous population!  Ecuador was closed down by manifestations against gov. corruption and apathy.
National Protests, January 2001,  Part 2 Las Voces - Interviews
The Indigenous populaion was fed up after years and years of being ignored by the authorities! These are ten Interviews with the Otavalo area campesinos, the least represented in the country.
National Protests, January 2001, Part 3 - Alimento
While the country was literally shut down, Indigenous communities showed solidarity as protestors join together to give thanks and eat.  Great strides were made with these protests!
While the country was literally shut down, Indigenous communities showed solidarity as protestors join together to give thanks and eat.  Great strides were made with these protests!
National Protests, January 2001, Part 4 - Un Mensaje
The present mayor of Otavalo speaks of his vision for the future of the town and country.  Great improvements have been achieved since these demonstrations.
Racism in Otavalo
OTAVALOVIDEOS.COM   Politics of Otavalo