Interview with Carl Michael "Mike" Waag, April 28, 2021

Interview Summary

Carl Michael Waag (Mike) served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador from 1967 to 1970. Upon arriving in Ecuador, Waag worked with the Campesino Leadership School, a program developed by Peace Corps Volunteers. Assigned to Puyo in the Ecuadorian upper Amazonian basin, he participated for several weeks of workshops organized by experienced volunteers in the indigenous Quechua-speaking communities of the Comuna of San Jacinto. At the end of the program, Waag stayed to work with the people of the Comuna. The abiding project of his term of service was the defense of the Comuna’s lands that had fallen under intense pressure from illegal colonization and were in danger of being lost. He also constructed wells, a bridge, and other infrastructural projects. Waag discusses the 'adventures' of his service, dealing with his draft board, his 're-entry' into the U.S. and the contribution the Peace Corps made to his life.

Interview Keyword

Ecuador (Country of service) 1967-1970 (Date of service) Puyo (Ecuador) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Economic Development Campesino Leadership School Land disputes

Interview LC Subject

Bozeman (Mont.) Community Development Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Draft Spanish Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Rainforest Land use Quechua language Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Ecuador Indigenous people Infrastructure

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Interview Usage

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