Octorina Zamora died, a reference in the struggle for indigenous peoples

The recognized reference of the struggle for human rights and for the vindication of the indigenous peoples, Octorina Zamora, died in the early hours of this Wednesday in Salta, after being hospitalized because of an illness. The governor of the province, Gustavo Sáenz, regretted the fact and dedicated a few words through his social networks, highlighting the work he did during his life. “I regret the death of Octorina Zamora, recognized and beloved leader of the native peoples. A tireless fighter for indigenous causes and human rights defender who sought the vindication of Wichí women. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones,” the official said through his Twitter account.

In recent days, Octorina had received from the National Institute of Indigenous Affairs (INAI) the first honorary distinction “Eulogio Frites” in recognition of his career and “unwavering commitment to the permanent defense of the rights of children, young people and women of the Original Peoples and the environment”, as detailed by the president of the entity,  Magdalena Odarda.

Octorina Zamora died, a reference in the struggle for indigenous peoples

Among the main causes that Octorina defended, he made visible the rights of indigenous communities, as well as denounced various problems such as the lack of water, and as many abuses as the chineo, that is, the abuse and rape of indigenous women and girls by white, Creole men.

Octorina Zamora died, a reference in the struggle for indigenous peoples

The referent knew how to organize together with women of the Wichí Nation People the public request for reparation of the damage caused by abuses such as chineo, revealing different cases and practices that occurred in the north of Salta.

Octorina was also the first Wichí woman candidate for national deputy and promoter in Salta of the law of Indigenous Intercultural Education with Community Management. This past March she had received the “Berta Cáceres” distinction, awarded by the Network of Defenders of the Environment and Good Living, in honor of the trajectories of life and militancy that aim to favor the solidarity, legal, political, economic and health collaboration of women who lead the defense of the environment and the construction of good living.

Original source in Spanish