About US - History

The first settlers in Ella Drua migrated from the Darien, Panama. In search for a better life and a safe place to raise their children, one small family made their way from the Darien towards Panama City. After various shortlived stops, in the early 1970´s, the family was living in a small town outside of Panama City, when the government started a project for electricity and water. They told the Embera that they must leave and suggested that they head back to the Darien. Although some Embera went back towards the Darien, this small family knew that they must move on in search again for a better life. In 1973, after meeting a man in Panama City who spoke about a place along the River Gatun, the small family decided to investigate. They fell in love with the beauty and tranquility of the land and decided to stay. As the years passed more families migrated to Ella Drua so their children could have access to education and employment.