Commemorating a Century of Resistance: Reflections on the Guna Yala Rebellion During the 2025 Week of the Indigenous Pastoral in Panama

Panama Archdiocese Highlights Indigenous Rights During Week of Pastoral Reflection

Panama City, Panama – The Archdiocese of Panama recently concluded a week dedicated to its indigenous pastoral outreach, held from august 3rd to 10th, 2025. This year’s initiative, centered around the theme “We have to protect the rights,” commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 1925 San Blas Revolution – also known as the Guna Yala Rebellion or Dule Revolution – a pivotal moment in the Guna people’s fight for self-determination and cultural preservation.

The week-long event aimed to address the ancient invisibility of Panama’s indigenous communities, increasingly present in urban areas yet often lacking broader recognition of their needs and origins. Archdiocese officials estimate between 80,000 and 100,000 indigenous individuals reside in Panama and west Panama provinces, many facing extreme poverty.

“The Catholic Church of Panama has made the option for the indigenous peoples a priority,following the teaching of Pope Francis,who repeatedly refers to these communities as ‘peoples excluded by society’,” stated a representative of the Archdiocese.

Activities included visits to parishes, schools, and indigenous communities, prompting dialog around key questions: Who are the indigenous people? Where do they live? What are their demands? What hardships do they endure? And what are their hopes for the future?

Progress in integrating faith with indigenous culture was also highlighted, with Sunday masses now celebrated in the Guna language in four municipalities and religious texts translated to facilitate culturally relevant faith formation.

The Archdiocese’s commitment extends to supporting the Ngabe, Buglé, Guna, Emberá, Wounaan, Bri Bri, and Naso Tjërdi peoples, all of whom continue to grapple with poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion. The 2025 pastoral week,framed by the legacy of the Guna Yala Revolution,served as a call to action – to listen,learn,and collaborate towards a more just and inclusive society for all Panamanians.

(Fides 12/8/2025)

How did the historical exploitation faced by the Guna people, specifically regarding banana plantations and forced labor, directly contribute to the outbreak of the 1925 rebellion?

The 1925 Uprising: A Cornerstone of Guna Autonomy

The year 2025 marks the centennial of the Guna Yala Rebellion, a pivotal moment in the history of Panama and a defining chapter in the struggle for Indigenous rights and self-determination. This year’s Semana de la Pastoral Indígena (Week of the Indigenous Pastoral) in Panama provides a crucial platform to reflect on the legacy of this uprising,its impact on the Guna people,and its continuing relevance in contemporary discussions surrounding Indigenous sovereignty,land rights,and cultural preservation. the rebellion wasn’t simply a clash; it was a carefully planned and executed assertion of Guna agency against encroaching external forces. Understanding the context of the 1925 rebellion requires examining the political and economic pressures faced by the Guna at the time.

Historical Context: Exploitation and Dispossession

Prior to 1925, the Guna people, inhabiting the Darién Gap region of panama and Colombia, faced increasing pressure from both governments and foreign companies. Key factors contributing to the unrest included:

Banana Plantations: American banana companies sought access to Guna lands for plantation growth, disregarding conventional land ownership practices. This exploitation of natural resources threatened the Guna’s traditional way of life.

Forced Labor: The Guna were subjected to forced labor practices, often under harsh and dangerous conditions, on these plantations.

Cultural Suppression: Attempts were made to assimilate the Guna into Panamanian society, suppressing their language, customs, and religious beliefs.

Lack of Legal Recognition: The Guna lacked formal legal recognition of their land rights and political autonomy.This absence of legal protection left them vulnerable to exploitation.

These conditions fueled growing resentment and ultimately led to organized resistance. The Guna,known for their strong communal organization and complex political structures,began to strategize a unified response.

The Rebellion: A Coordinated Act of Defiance

The Guna Yala Rebellion, which erupted in February 1925, was not a spontaneous outburst but a meticulously planned uprising.

Strategic Planning: Guna leaders,including caciques (chiefs) and community representatives,secretly coordinated efforts across numerous villages.

Armed Resistance: The Guna, armed with machetes, rifles obtained through trade, and a deep knowledge of the terrain, successfully repelled government forces attempting to suppress their resistance.

Declaration of Independence: The rebellion culminated in the declaration of Guna autonomy and the establishment of Guna Yala (formerly San Blas Islands) as a self-governing territory. This declaration was a bold statement of self-determination.

Meaningful Battles: Key battles took place in locations like Puerto Limón and akun, demonstrating the Guna’s military prowess and determination.

The rebellion lasted for several months, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. However, the Guna’s fierce resistance and strategic positioning ultimately forced the Panamanian government to negotiate.

The Treaty of 1925: A Landmark Agreement

The outcome of the rebellion was the signing of the Treaty of 1925, a landmark agreement that granted the Guna people a significant degree of autonomy.

Territorial Rights: The treaty recognized Guna Yala as a comarca (Indigenous territory) with a defined geographical boundary.

Political Autonomy: The Guna were granted the right to govern themselves according to their own laws and customs.

Educational and Cultural Rights: The treaty protected the Guna language, culture, and educational system.

Limited External Interference: The Panamanian government agreed to limit its interference in Guna internal affairs.

While not absolute independence, the treaty represented a major victory for the Guna people and set a precedent for Indigenous self-governance in Panama and beyond.

Contemporary Relevance: Ongoing Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the successes of the 1925 rebellion and the subsequent treaty,the Guna people continue to face challenges in the 21st century.

External Pressures: Threats to Guna Yala include tourism development, resource extraction, and climate change.

Land Rights Disputes: Ongoing disputes over land boundaries and resource control persist.

Cultural Preservation: Maintaining Guna language and cultural traditions in the face of globalization remains a priority.

Political Portrayal: Ensuring adequate Guna representation in national political