Who is Helena Gualinga, the young activist who they claim is Shawn Mendes’ new girlfriend

The recent trip of Shawn Mendes He has given Peru a lot to talk about beyond the impressive images he shared of Machu Picchu, but also because of his company: Helena Gualinga.

Helena and Shawn Mendes sparked rumors of a possible romancee after being seen together in a loving attitude during said trip to Machu Picchu. The images, which show the couple in hugs and intimate moments, have caused a stir among the Canadian singer’s followers and have put the Ecuadorian activist at the center of media attention.

Who is Helena Gualinga?

Sumak Helena Sirén Gualinga was born on February 27, 2002 in the Sarayaku territory, in the province of Pastaza, Ecuador. At just 22 years old, Helena has become a prominent indigenous activist of Finnish-Swedish descent.

Her mother, Noemí Gualinga, is a renowned defender of indigenous rights and former president of the Kiwcha women’s association. His father, Anders Sirén, is a professor at the Department of Geography and Geology at the University of Turku.

Helena comes from a family of Amazonian women who have fought tirelessly for indigenous rights and environmental protection.. Her older sister, Nina Gualinga, her aunt Patricia Gualinga and her grandmother Cristina Gualinga are also well-known activists. Helena has lived in both the Sarayaku territories and Finland, due to her father’s origins.

What is Helena Gualinga’s work as an activist?

From a very young age, Helena has witnessed her community’s struggle against the oil companies that seek to exploit their lands. This experience prompted her to become an active defender of the environment and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Her activism focuses on giving a voice to her community, taking her message to schools and participating in debates with local youth. Helena has also participated in important international environmental summits, such as the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 and COP25 in Madrid, where he denounced the granting of indigenous territories to the extractive industry without the consent of the communities.

How did the relationship between Helena Gualinga and Shawn Mendes arise?

Rumors of a possible romance between Helena Gualinga and Shawn Mendes They arose as a result of the singer’s visit to Peru. Although Helena does not appear in Mendes’ official publications on social networks, photos and videos showing them together began to circulate quickly on the internet. In these images they are seen sharing close moments, such as hugs and intimate conversations, especially in the context of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. They have also been seen traveling together on trains and at the airport. So far, neither Mendes nor Gualinga have publicly confirmed or denied a romantic relationship.

What is known about Shawn Mendes’ trip to Peru?

Shawn Mendes shared on his social networks a photo album from his trip to Peru, which showed landscapes of Machu Picchu and Cusco. Although initially Helena Gualinga did not appear in these publications, the dissemination of images where they appear together generated great interest among their followers. This trip occurs after Mendes will speak openly about his sexualityadding a new chapter to his personal life under public scrutiny.

The Images circulating on social networks show Helena Gualinga and Shawn Mendes hugging and walking together through the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In other videos they are seen sharing a moment on a bench while checking a cell phone, as well as traveling together by train and checking in at an airport. The closeness and complicity evident in the photos have led many to believe that it could be something more than a friendship.

How has Helena Gualinga stood out in international events?

In addition to her outstanding work as an activist, Helena Gualinga has also been present at relevant Hollywood events. In early 2024, she attended the green carpet at the Fashion Awards and also the Cannes Film Festival. This demonstrates a growing recognition of his figure and his influence, both in the environmental field and in other public spaces.

Her possible relationship with Shawn Mendes has put her figure in the spotlight, to highlight not only her activist work, but also her presence at important public events. The combination of his social commitment and his appearance alongside a music star like Mendes has generated great interest in him.