It appears that there is often a confusion in much of the literature on the subject between highland Quichua groups and Amazonian populations who have adopted Quechua. The legal status of native American Indians is that of ordinary Ecuadorian citizens. But as far as the status of their land is concerned, the situation is extremely confused. The latter were confused as to whether these were to be agricultural land only or include the entire territory over which they carry out their activities. Ecuador is lagging far behind in terms of tackling the Indian issue and indigenous groups are trying to set up their own demarcations.
Indigenous organizations are strong and co-operate with each other.