The Kichwa people of Imbabura, Ecuador, are Indigenous descendants of the Incan Empire. They maintain a rich cultural heritage rooted in community engagement, traditional healing practices, and celebrations such as Inti Raymi, the Sun Festival.

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This fall, the Kichwa of Imbabura joined other Indigenous groups across Ecuador in organizing peaceful protests to express their dissatisfaction with government policies under President Daniel Noboa. In response, heavily armed military personnel entered the city of Otavalo in early October. On October 14, 2025, Otavalo descended into violence as bombs, gunfire, and coordinated attacks were unleashed against the Kichwan community.

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Men, women, and children suffered devastating injuries, including limb loss, severe facial trauma, and, in some cases, deaths-- including José Alberto Gumán, Efraín Fuerez, and Rosa Elena Paqui. While the total number of casualties remains unknown, local medical professionals estimate over 400 people were injured in Otavalo alone. Many of these injuries prevent survivors from returning to their traditional livelihoods, such as agriculture and artisan work. As a result, families continue to struggle to afford basic necessities like food, water, and electricity.

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In response to this humanitarian crisis, local doctors, dentists, physical therapists, and psychologists have united to form La Brigada 14 de Octubre (The October 14th Brigade). These dedicated volunteers provide essential medical care to those affected, often outside hospital settings. Many patients fear seeking treatment in hospitals, where government officials have been accused of harassing Indigenous patients even as they lie in recovery. In fact, fear is so prevalent in Imbabura following the attacks, the Brigade is still being contacted by individuals who have not received care over the past month because they were too scared to leave their house. 

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The purpose of this website is to mobilize international support for the Kichwa people of Imbabura, who are facing violence and repression from their own government. This support has two key goals:

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1. Provide direct aid — Donations go directly to La Brigada 14 de Octubre to fund medical care, such as prosthetic limbs, x-rays, and antibiotics, as well as cover basic living expenses such as food and electricity for those unable to work.
    

2. Protect free expression — Following the attacks, Ecuador’s telecommunications agency (Agencia de Regulación y Control de las Telecomunicaciones, ARCOTEL) suspended the broadcasting rights of Radio Ilumán, a central voice of Kichwan culture and community for decades. This shutdown has silenced local communication and limited the community’s ability to share their experiences.
    

You can help support the Kichwa people of Imbabura. Every donation provides essential resources to hundreds still suffering from the events of October 14th. Just as importantly, sharing this story and speaking out against the violence helps build international awareness and pressure to restore the fundamental rights of the people of Imbabura — including peaceful protest, freedom of speech, and access to healthcare.