The Panamanian National Assembly officially changed the name of the Kuna Yala indigenous region to Gunayala. This decision, driven by a bill proposed by deputy Flor Brenes, corrects the name to reflect the Guna people's preferred and accurate term in their native language.
The name change is viewed as a gesture of respect towards the Guna people's cultural identity and self-determination, addressing historical inaccuracies in the region's naming.
After consultations with Guna authorities, linguists, and experts, the Assembly confirmed that "Gunayala" is the correct term in the Guna language. This decision was approved with 43 votes in favor.
The region's name has changed several times. It was previously known as San Blas during the early republican era, later changed to Kuna Yala in 1998, both names differing from the preferred Gunayala.
Gunayala, located in northeastern Panama, is characterized by its natural beauty and unique culture. However, the region faces challenges including poverty, with over 70% of its inhabitants living in poverty or extreme poverty, and limited access to essential services despite its natural resources.