Our History
Our Story
For decades, Alteco has helped bring together Indigenous, Latin National, and Western ministry leaders around a shared vision for strengthening the Indigenous Church throughout the Amazon and Lowlands region.
A Vision for Collaboration
Alteco began as a coalition of more than 30 organizations that shared a commitment to serving with Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon. Through annual Amazon Consultations, leaders gathered to build relationships, exchange ideas, and pursue a common vision for ministry collaboration.
Over time, these gatherings connected hundreds of leaders from more than 160 organizations throughout the Americas.
A Movement Emerges
In 2007, Alteco was incorporated as a U.S. nonprofit organization to better support this emerging vision through personnel assistance, donor services, financial administration, and partnership development. Around the same time, Indigenous leaders from six South American countries formed the Trans-Amazon Network, creating new opportunities for Indigenous-driven collaboration across the region.
As relationships deepened, Indigenous, Latin American, and Western ministry leaders began working together in new ways. This growing collaboration eventually became known as the Three Waves Movement.
From Catalyst to Steward
As the Three Waves Movement matured, leadership increasingly shifted toward Indigenous and Latin American leaders rooted in the Amazon region. Alteco’s role also evolved.
Rather than directing the movement, Alteco now serves as a trusted partner, strengthening relationships, supporting ministry leaders, facilitating resources, and helping cultivate collaboration across the Amazon and Lowlands region.
Today, we remain committed to the vision that has guided us from the beginning: a vibrant Indigenous Church, working together across cultures to advance the Gospel among the peoples of South America.
Key Milestones
1989
- Vision for collaborative ministry in the Amazon begins to take shape
2004
- The first Amazon Consultation is held
2007
- Alteco incorporates as a 501(c)(3), and Indigenous leaders establish the Trans-Amazon Network
2010s
- As Indigenous leaders form national networks across South America, Alteco helps strengthen their growth through training, resources, and organizational support
2021
- Amazon Focus and Alteco merge under the Alteco name
Today
- Alteco serves as a trusted partner within the Three Waves Movement
Alteco began as a coalition that brought together organizational ministry leaders from different countries and cultures serving in the Amazon, united by a common goal. The name Alteco is derived from Amazon & Lowland Tribal Empowerment Coalition.
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