The Huaorani people have inhabited the headwaters of the Amazon for millennia and have lived as hunters and gatherers, entirely without contact from outer world right up until the end of the 1960's. Indeed, at least one Huaorani clan continues to shun all contact from the outside world. They continue to maintain a largely traditional lifestyle, living from the rainforest, though missionaries and oil companies have had some influence.

The Waorani have a reputation of being the fiercest warriors in the Amazon. They have never been conquered or colonized.

The Waorani will continue to struggle for their survival, but in order to preserve their homeland and culture they must, paradoxically, adopt modern ways.