Cristian Waskar is a young Kichwa leader and activist defending his community from illegal mining and organizing youth in the Ecuadorian Amazon. A graduate of the Living School of the Amazon (EVA) and the current Secretary of the Federation of Indian Organizations of the Napo (FOIN), he is building alternatives that reclaim indigenous culture, identity, and sustainable futures. He supports his family—especially his mother—and carries forward his family’s legacy of sustainable cacao farming. He is a role model for so many.

Illegal mining has devastated the surrounding communities, causing rashes and blisters, birth defects, widespread contamination—and many cases of cancer.

Now Cristian himself is facing colon cancer. Doctors say that if he can receive an operation in the next few weeks, his life can be saved.

We are urgently raising $3,500 to cover his medical costs.

Please give what you can—every contribution helps save Cristian’s life and supports a leader who has given everything to protect his people and land.

Thank you for your solidarity.