Camusu Aike facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Camusu Aike
|
|
|---|---|
|
Settlement
|
|
 Camusu Aike
Location in Argentina
|
|
| Country |  Argentina |
| Province |  Santa Cruz |
| Department | Güer Aike Department |
| Population
(2010 census)
|
|
| • Total | 51 |
| Climate | Cfc |
Camusu Aike is a special place in southern Argentina. It is located in the Santa Cruz Province, within the Güer Aike Department. This area is home to the Aonikenk people, an indigenous community. Camusu Aike was the first Aonikenk community officially recognized by the Argentine government.
What's in a Name?
The name Camusu Aike comes from the Aonekko ʾaʾien language. This is the language spoken by the Aonikenk people. In their language, kamusu (written as "Camusu" in Spanish) means "tall waving grass." The word aike means "settlement" or "camp." So, the name Camusu Aike means "camp by the tall waving grass." It describes the natural surroundings of the place.
A Look Back: History of Camusu Aike
The community of Camusu Aike was officially created a long time ago. This happened on January 11, 1898. The president at that time, José Evaristo Uriburu, made a special order. This order gave the local Aonikenk community a large piece of land. It was 50,000 hectares, which is about 123,500 acres. This land was part of their traditional home for many years.
Later, during the government of President Juan Domingo Perón, the size of their land was made smaller. It was reduced to 30,000 hectares. In the mid-1960s, a count of indigenous people was done. It showed that 44 Aonikenk people lived in the community. About half of them, 24 people, could speak the Aonekko ʾaʾien language.
In September 2007, the Argentine government officially recognized Camusu Aike. It became a formal indigenous community. Before 2011, most of the houses in the community were spread out. They were located across the territory. In April 2015, the government recognized the community's right to more land. They were given back 18,000 additional hectares. This land had been taken away by the government before. There are still 2,000 more hectares that the community hopes to get back.
Camusu Aike is also famous for something very important. It was the birthplace of Dora Manchado (1934−2019). She was the very last person who could speak the Aonekko ʾaʾien language fluently.
See also
In Spanish: Camusu Aike para niños
