In a powerful display of solidarity, leaders from indigenous communities in Ecuador gathered at the California State Senate on June 16, 2025, to share their urgent message about the climate crisis and the ongoing threats to their territories. Juan Bai, president of the Wairani nation, along with representatives Hajira Machoa of the Kofan and Nadino Kalapucha of the Quechua organization, traveled thousands of miles from the Amazon rainforest to highlight the impact of oil drilling on their lands and the environment.

Their visit comes in the wake of a historic referendum in Ecuador, where over 5 million citizens voted to end oil drilling in Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Despite this overwhelming support for environmental protection, the Ecuadorian government continues to allow new oil wells to be drilled, violating indigenous lands and threatening the rainforest that plays a crucial role in regulating global weather and storing carbon.

California, recognized as a global climate leader, has a significant connection to this issue, as it is the top destination for Ecuadorian crude oil. More than 50% of the oil extracted from the Amazon region is sent to California, with some of it being redistributed to other states. This reality underscores the responsibility that Californians have in recognizing how their choices impact frontline communities fighting for their rights and the environment.

The indigenous leaders urged California lawmakers and residents to stand in solidarity with them and take action to protect the rainforest and its inhabitants. Their message is clear: the climate crisis knows no borders, and the fight for justice and environmental protection is a shared responsibility that extends beyond geographical boundaries.

As the Senate session continued, members acknowledged the importance of this issue and the need for collective action to support indigenous defenders and safeguard the planet for future generations. The gathering served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global environmental challenges and the vital role that local communities play in addressing them.