Alliance with the Armed Forces and Police for the Protection of Indigenous Territories

US Air Force offers humanitarian flights for remote indigenous territories

The United States Armed Forces requested a meeting with Ambassador Roger Bardales to discuss matters related to the security of Indigenous peoples, as well as the protection of their territories and river access routes.

The meeting was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere. The Armed Forces expressed appreciation for the presence of an official representative advocating for Indigenous communities and facilitating dialogue with institutional actors. They listened attentively to the Ambassador’s remarks regarding Indigenous cultures, ancestral medicine, and the current needs of remote communities.

The Armed Forces offered support through humanitarian air transport operations for members of remote Indigenous communities. This assistance is particularly valuable for regions that are inaccessible by road and require several days of travel by river. In emergency situations, air operations can play a critical role in saving lives.

Additionally, military personnel distributed school supplies to children in the Indigenous community of Santa Martha.

Police Training Program in Indigenous Languages for Territorial Protection

Another important initiative aimed at strengthening security is the proposed establishment of a police training academy conducted in Indigenous languages, a project discussed between local police authorities and Ambassador Bardales.

The vision of this initiative is to provide young Indigenous people with the opportunity to pursue a career in law enforcement in their native languages, enabling them to return to their remote communities and contribute to the protection and stewardship of their territories and borders.

This would mark the first time that police training is offered in Indigenous languages. Ethnic groups such as the Shipibo, Asháninka, Awajún, and Huni Kuin would have the opportunity to receive professional training in a culturally and linguistically inclusive environment, strengthening their ability to safeguard their communities and ancestral lands.

In light of the ongoing incursions by illegal loggers and other external actors, the development of local protection mechanisms has become increasingly necessary. By integrating trained Indigenous police officers into their own communities, a stronger communication and response network can be established, allowing incidents to be reported more rapidly and assistance to be coordinated more effectively when needed.