Historically, Cauca's indigenous movement has gone through times of war in which it was forced to use the right to civil violent resistance in response to attacks by armed groups. Now, it is a peaceful movement focused on respect for life and everything that makes it possible.

The earth, its fruits, its particular places and the traditional cultural practices of its people are sacred, material and immaterial assets shared by all. Food sovereignty is at the heart of the Cauca peasant women's and indigenous communities' peaceful struggle to achieve overall sovereignty. Barter is still one of their strategies.