The colonization in Ecuador began in the year 1972 Since then, Christian missionaries, settlers seeking natural resources like gold and rubber as well as land for cultivation and cattle ranching, and various economic interests of the government, have impacted the environment and the cultures, and continue to pose serious threats to the Ecuadorian Amazon with its unique diversity of fauna, flora, and related indigenous traditions and lifestyles.

The origins of FICCKAE date back to the year 1972. At that time, missionaries of the Minor Capuchins were active in the Amazon region. Soon after they had started their mission, oil companies and other institutions showed interest in exploiting resources from the area. However, the Capuchins protected the indigenous peoples from unfair working condition. On January 6th in the year 1972, the Kichwas held their first meeting in the community of Santa Teresita.

The formal registration of the indigenous organization took place on July, 30th of 1984. In the beginning, the organisation worked with 22 different communities: Santa Rosa de Armenia, Santa Teresita, Chiroisla, Sinchi Chicta, Samona Yuturi, Puerto Quinche, Boca Tiputini, San Vincente de Sinchi, Amaru Mesa, Estrella Yacu, Huamayacu, San Carlos, San Jose, El Descanso, Itaya, Pompeya, San Francisco (Chicta), Domingo Playa, Huataracu, San Pablo, Juan Montalvo, and Juan Pio Montufar.

The formally known “ONAE” changed its organizational structure, name and leadership several times, and fragmented into different groups. In 2009, the government passed a new law for indigenous peoples, highlighting the notions of belonging and ancestral pride. Subsequently, the name of the organization changed and has remained until this day FICCKAE.