In dozens of meetings and interviews, Lucas wasn’t always the main Achuar spokesperson, but his words held the weight of wisdom and integrity. He joined three other leaders on an advocacy delegation across the country, visiting Ottawa, Calgary, and the tarsands region of Alberta. Lucas’ 2012 Canada trip is emblematic of his leadership. Lucas was central to all those efforts over the last 25 years. Recently, they launched a lawsuit demanding recognition of their ancestral territory. They model low-impact coexistence with their environment, reforesting some parts of the rainforest while keeping roads out. They have sent many multinational oil companies running from their territory. The struggle of Peru’s Achuar indigenous people is an inspiration around the world. Lucas was last seen sleeping on the journey. As reported by his son, his boat hit a log and capsized as it traveled up-river deep in the night. Yesterday we learned that the long-time Achuar leader Jiyukam Lucas Irar Miik had drown in the Pastaza River, as he returned to his home community of Puerto Rubina. A wave of sadness has surged forth from the Amazon rainforest, washing over many who have supported indigenous rights in Peru.
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