Indigenous People and Oil Production In Ecuador's Oriente

Brandon Yoder

Abstract

This article examines the environmental and human rights consequences of oil production in Ecuador’s Oriente region, with a focus on the operations of Texaco and other multinational corporations. It analyzes how decades of unregulated extraction have led to widespread environmental degradation, toxic pollution, and severe health risks for Indigenous communities. The article also explores the legal battles waged by affected tribes, highlighting the challenges of seeking justice through national and international courts. Emphasis is placed on the role of corporate negligence, the complicity of the Ecuadorian government, and the urgent need for enforceable accountability mechanisms. Through this analysis, the article underscores the broader implications of extractive industries operating in Indigenous territories and the importance of protecting environmental and human rights.