Indigenous resistance against the oil industry!

Grupo Indigena Cacique Cayaurima

Grupo Indigena Cacique Cayaurima was founded in 2016, in a moment of crisis and resistance. When an oil company set up operations on their protected land, the community faced forced displacement – another case of extractivism uprooting people and their entire ways of life. In response, the Cumanagoto came together to reclaim their identity, defend their territory and the deep spiritual connection that continues to shape their resistance and resilience, and build a future rooted in justice. They organize actions for social and climate justice, create water and environmental committees to protect their land, and organize activities to preserve Cumanagoto identity, language, and culture. They are partnering with civil society organizations and networks, building a broad movement that transcends their own cause.

Sit in in front of the Ministry

Their 2025 campaign supported by Het Actiefonds combined local mobilization with digital advocacy, connecting traditional resistance with modern tools for change. In a sit in protest in front of the Ministry of Ecosocialism and Water in the state of Anzoátegui, they demanded swift government action. In addition, they launched a social media campaign as well, designed to expose their situation to national and international audiences.

Around 60 people joined the action. Aside from the members of the Cacique Cayaurima Indigenous Group, people of the Committee of Indigenous Elders and Wise Men, the Water Committee, the State Environmental Movement, and other human rights organizations and activists have joined forces in this collective effort.

New energy

Within the Cumanagoto community, this campaign sparked renewed engagement and awareness, particularly among young people who had previously been hesitant to get involved. Through local mobilizations and digital campaigns, they found new energy, new voices, and a sense of unity around a shared cause.

The campaign connected the Cumanagoto community with Indigenous groups in Mexico and Guatemala, enforcing the regional networks of solidarity against extractivism and the environmental damage it brings!

Het Actiefonds is proud to support this growing and connected movement! Through this kind of campaigns, the Grupo Indigena Cacique Cayaurima is weaving together the wisdom of their ancestors with the strength of modern advocacy—proving that defending the Earth is also an act of defending life itself!