Helena Gualinga was born on February 27, 2002, in Ecuador. From a young age, she was exposed to the rich culture and traditions of the Sarayaku Indigenous community, of which she is a member. Growing up, Helena was deeply influenced by her mother, Noemí Gualinga, who is a well-known Indigenous activist in Ecuador.
Helena attended the Cathedral School of Åbo, where she pursued her education and developed a strong foundation in academics. It was during her time at school that she began to explore her passion for environmental and human rights activism.
Helena Gualinga rose to prominence as a social media personality and climate and human rights activist. She started her Instagram account, @helenagualinga, where she shared her thoughts, experiences, and activism with her followers. Over time, she gained a significant following of more than 100,000 people who were inspired by her dedication to her community and the planet.
Helena has used her platform to become a prominent spokesperson for the Sarayaku Indigenous community, advocating for their rights and raising awareness about the environmental challenges they face. She has been actively involved in various campaigns and protests, including picketing outside the UN headquarters during the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit.
In 2022, Helena was featured in a Vogue magazine article, highlighting her work as an activist and the impact she has had on the climate and human rights movements. She was also recognized as a Climate Creator to Watch in 2024 by Pique Action, along with other influential figures in the environmental space.
Helena comes from a family of activists, with her mother, Noemí Gualinga, being a prominent Indigenous Ecuadorian activist. Her older sister, Nina Gualinga, is also actively involved in environmental and human rights causes. The support and guidance she receives from her family have played a significant role in shaping Helena's activism and worldview.
Helena Gualinga continues to be a powerful voice for Indigenous communities and environmental justice. Through her activism, she hopes to inspire others to take action and create positive change in the world.
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