About Jintia
Fundación Jintia is a Shiwiar-led foundation rooted in Juyuintza, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It works with elders, youth, and families to strengthen cultural life, care for territory, and support community self-determination and well-being across generations.
Why Jintia Exists
Jintia took shape in Juyuintza around work to strengthen Shiwiar culture, organize community groups, care for territory, and build stronger futures for coming generations.
Francisco Timias helped carry this work forward alongside community members, elders, and collaborators. The work builds from the knowledge, responsibilities, and relationships already present in Shiwiar communities.
Our Mission
To support the well-being and sustainable development of Amazonian communities by strengthening territory, biodiversity, cultural identity, ancestral knowledge, and educational, social, and economic opportunities. Jintia supports community-led processes grounded in participation, reciprocity, respect, and care for the Amazon.
Our Vision
Jintia envisions strengthened and self-determined Amazonian communities where future generations have meaningful opportunities while sustaining their cultural identity, ancestral knowledge, and relationship with nature.
Shiwiar Territory
The Shiwiar are an Indigenous people of the Amazonian lowlands of eastern Ecuador. Their territory lies in Pastaza Province, near the Ecuador–Peru border.
Juyuintza is one Shiwiar community within this wider territory. Forests, rivers, plants, animals, food, medicine, language, and community life shape how people live and care for place.
Ecuador within the Amazon Basin
Shiwiar Territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Culture and Territory Cannot Be Separated
Maintaining culture and language is as essential as stewardship and conservation of the environment. The two cannot be separated.
Land and place shape identity and ways of life. Water, ceremonies, stories, plants, animals, food, language, and community relationships are part of the same living system.
Our Team
Jintia’s team brings together community leadership, organizational experience, and a shared commitment to Shiwiar communities and territory.
Francisco Damian Timias Santi
Executive Director and Founder
Gladys Evangelina Fernández Antonieta
Community and International Relations
Génesis Ivone Fernández Antonieta
Executive Secretary & Finance
Esteban Chuint Timias Tsetsekip
Communications and Culture