New Indigenous Organization - ODDPIAP

Above: Participants in the Premiere Indigenous Tribunal work together to build consensus on the mission, vision, and purpose of ODDPIAP.

During the First Tribunal of Indigenous Jefes (chiefs) in the Ucayali region, the chiefs and other indigenous leaders decided that the most effective means to their self-determination would be to form their own grassroots indigenous organization. Thus, the Organization for the Defense and Development of the Indigenous Peoples of the Peruvian Amazon, or ODDPIAP (as they refer to it), was formed through the consensus process of participating indigenous leaders.

Through a very interesting election process that lasted on into the night, ODDPIAP's new leadership was chosen to make their vision a reality. One of the biggest obstacles the new leadership is now facing is the process of legalizing ODDPIAP, in order to be recognized as an official organization by the Peruvian government. It will only cost about $500 to undertake the bureaucratic legalization process and they hope to accomplish this before the upcoming Second Tribunal of Indigenous Jefes to take place this January 2008.

Below: Juan was elected President of ODDPIAP.


ODDPIAP's mission is the defend the rights and resources of the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon, as well as create a vision for and the implementation of an alternative "development" program for the region based on indigenous wisdom and values. ODDPIAP, it is hoped, will be a seminal force in mobilizing and organizing the indigenous peoples to determine their own futures.

The jefes hope that ODDPIAP can act as a bridge between the marginalized indigenous peoples and the government, ultimately leading to a more equitable future for the underserved and malrepresented indigenous communities.

As allies of the Shipibo people, Village Earth will continue to work with the democratically-elected leadership to build the capacity of and support for ODDPIAP. We are currently working together to raise the funds necessary to legalize ODDPIAP. The leadership of ODDPIAP is busy planning workshops throughout the region to mobilize and organize student groups, community leaders, and strategic allies to work together because unity will strengthen their collective voice.

If you would like to support ODDPIAP, please contact: kristina@villageearth.org