Eighty-Seven-Year-Old Activists Unite for Amazon Justice

87-Year-Olds Unite: Quito to LA Rally in Global Campaign to Save the Amazon Rainforest.!!!

By Reshmi Das Reshmi Das linkedin_icon

In a striking demonstration of cross-continental solidarity, two 87-year-old leaders delivered an urgent plea for the protection of the Amazon rainforest and the rights of Indigenous peoples. Yesterday, Wiña, an 87-year-old Waorani spiritual leader from Ecuador, led more than 120 Indigenous defenders through the streets of Quito. Almost simultaneously in Los Angeles, veteran activist and renowned celebrity Jane Fonda presented the same impassioned message at the Ecuadorian Consulate. Both elders’ actions underscore the power of unity in the fight against harmful extractive practices in the Amazon.

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Image: Instagram

Cross-continental Solidarity In Action

Wiña’s march through Quito was a powerful visual of grassroots resistance. Clad in traditional attire, Wiña and the Indigenous defenders carried signs and chanted slogans against ongoing environmental degradation. The movement calls on the Ecuadorian Constitutional Court to listen to the voices of those most affected by environmental exploitation. As described in the original caption, the message is clear: “Two elders. One Amazon. One urgent plea.” This concisely captures the resolve of both the Indigenous communities in Ecuador and their supporters abroad.

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Image: Instagram

Across the Pacific in Los Angeles, Jane Fonda—who, at 87, has long been associated with progressive activism—took her stand at the Ecuadorian Consulate. Her presence reinforces the global dimensions of the struggle. Fonda’s engagement with the cause is not new; she has a long history of championing environmental and humanitarian issues. With decades of activism behind her, Fonda’s participation brings not only visibility but also legitimacy to the struggle faced by the Waorani people.

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Image: Instagram

Celebrity Activism Amplifies Urgency

Jane Fonda’s activism has frequently made headlines, and her latest actions have once again spotlighted the urgency of protecting the Amazon. Through her social media posts, Fonda has shared images and messages in support of indigenous rights and environmental reforms. One recent Instagram post emphasized her commitment: a series of powerful images depicted her in conversation with local leaders and community members in the Ecuadorian Amazon. These images resonate deeply with her decades-long dedication to environmental activism, as outlined in various profiles and public records.

The cross-continental display of unity as showcased in both Quito and Los Angeles demonstrates that the fight against polluting and exploitative oil actions transcends borders. The use of hashtags such as #WiñaAndJane, #StopTheSilentAmazonOilAction, and #StandWithWaorani further amplifies this sentiment on digital platforms as people across the globe rally behind the cause.

The events of yesterday have sparked widespread reactions online. Activists, scholars, and environmental advocates took to social media to commend the leaders’ vital efforts. Many cited the actions as a beacon of hope—a reminder that even in the face of global challenges, determined individuals can effect change. This act of solidarity is seen not only as a protest against a specific threat but also as part of a broader struggle against policies that endanger both the environment and indigenous sovereignty.

Drawing from her long career in activism and celebrity culture, Jane Fonda’s intervention is supported by past initiatives. For years, Fonda has balanced her roles as an actress and an activist—her engagements ranging from speeches at the United Nations to participation in environmental protests. Her latest act of solidarity with Wiña is a continuation of this legacy. In providing a public platform, Fonda enables voices often marginalized in mainstream debates, notably those of Indigenous peoples fighting against extractive industries.

Multiple sources reveal that the indigenous communities have been on the frontlines of resisting environmental exploitation for decades. Their struggle is intertwined with the fate of the global ecosystem. The coordinated protests in Quito and Los Angeles serve as reminders that the Amazon, often deemed the Earth’s lungs, must be preserved not only for its inherent value but also for the survival of communities that rely on its bounty. The urgency in these actions resonates as a stark warning to those who profit from the relentless extraction of natural resources without account for lasting damage.

Seen in images circulating online, the vibrant protest in Quito featured hundreds of resolute faces—each representing a story of loss, hope, and resistance. Similarly, Jane Fonda’s presence in Los Angeles was met with admiration from supporters who view her decades of commitment as a model for inspiring change. The dual protest sends a strong message: environmental justice is a cause that knows no borders, and every voice matters in the quest to safeguard nature for future generations.

This movement, marked by both traditional leadership and celebrity activism, encapsulates a powerful narrative of resistance. The synchronized actions in Quito and Los Angeles underscore how diverse groups, regardless of geography, can unite under a common goal—protecting the Amazon and supporting indigenous rights. The stories emerging from these events are a testament to the enduring spirit of activism, a reminder that age is no barrier when it comes to fighting for what is right.

The remarkable display of both grassroots mobilization and high-profile advocacy demonstrates that every action, no matter how small or symbolic, contributes to the broader struggle for environmental justice. As movements like these gain momentum, it becomes increasingly clear that global awareness and unity across generations are essential to challenging destructive practices and ensuring a sustainable future.

The rallying call of these two 87-year-old leaders serves as an inspiration—a call to action for governments, industries, and individuals alike. As the fight to preserve the Amazon intensifies, the example set by Wiña and Jane Fonda continues to reverberate worldwide, urging us all to listen, to act, and ultimately, to protect our shared planetary home.

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Jane Fonda has written several books, including her memoir 'My Life So Far,' which offers insights into her personal and professional life.
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Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.

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