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This photo was taken on the children’s day of the Inti Raymi. Until more recently, the Ecuadorian educational system had not fostered an integration of indigenous traditions, values, and experiences. However, in the the past decade, Ecuador has seen more of a movement which not only tolerates but encourages “los pueblos originarios” to connect with their native heritage. That mentality has trickled into the school systems, who now include the children’s day of the Inti Raymi as one of their major yearly events. One of the photos below shows one of the school groups (boys), on the steps of the church, listening as indigenous leaders in Cotacachi remind them of the day’s importance and encourage them to keep their culture in their hearts and ways of life.