On a quiet evening in February, José Albino Cañas Ramírez, a 44-year-old Indigenous leader in Colombia, was tragically shot and killed at his home. This wasn’t just a personal tragedy; it was a direct assault on the heart of his community’s self-governance. José was a “cabildante,” a respected member of the governing council for the Emberá Chamí people of the Cañamomo Lomaprieta territory.
The Emberá Chamí, or “people of the mountains,” live in a breathtaking yet perilous region of Colombia. For decades, their ancestral lands have been a battleground, caught between illegal armed groups like guerrillas and paramilitaries, and powerful interests seeking to exploit natural resources. This creates a “double victimization,” where communities face threats from all sides simply for existing on their land.
In such a challenging environment, leaders like José bear immense risk. He dedicated his life to organizing for territorial rights, cultural survival, and resolving conflicts within his community. He wasn’t a flamboyant figure, but a reliable pillar, repeatedly elected for his steady commitment to strengthening community institutions and vital services that the state often fails to provide.
His death, sadly, is not an isolated incident. Violence against Indigenous leaders in Colombia is a chilling pattern, with many facing constant threats for defending their territory and way of life. Despite international protections, the danger never truly recedes. Colombia remains one of the most perilous countries globally for environmental and social defenders, with dozens killed or disappeared each year.
Yet, in the wake of José’s killing, the Resguardo Cañamomo Lomaprieta declared they would not let fear triumph. His legacy is one of unwavering dedication to his people. His work was about maintaining the intricate machinery of self-rule in a place where it is constantly under siege. It’s a powerful statement of necessity: the fight for their land, autonomy, and cultural survival continues.
Source: https://news.mongabay.com/2026/02/jose-albino-canas-ramirez-a-defender-of-indigenous-territories-44/
