Indigenous peoples in Chile facts for kids
Indigenous peoples, also called Native Chileans, are a very important part of Chile's history and culture. About 10% of the people in Chile identify as having indigenous roots. Many Chileans have some indigenous background, but the term usually refers to those who are part of specific indigenous groups.
The Mapuche people are the largest group, living mainly in south-central Chile. They make up about 85% of the indigenous population. Other groups include the Aymara, Quechua, Atacameño, Kolla, Diaguita, Yaghan, Rapa Nui (from Easter Island), and Kawaskhar. There are also other smaller groups like the Chango and Selknam.
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Understanding Indigenous Rights
After Chile became a democracy again, the government created a special group to look into the needs of indigenous peoples. This led to a very important law called the "Indigenous Law" (Law n° 19 253), which was passed in 1993.
What is the Indigenous Law?
This law officially recognized many indigenous groups, including the Mapuche people. The Mapuche had faced challenges like the Occupation of Araucanía, where their lands were taken over. The law also recognized the Aymara, Atacameñas, Collas, Quechuas, Rapa-Nui, Yámanas, Kawashkars, and later the Diaguita (in 2006).
The Indigenous Law aimed to protect the rights of these groups. It created an organization called the National Corporation for Indigenous Development (CONADI). This group helps indigenous communities with their economic growth and makes sure their voices are heard in government decisions about their lands, cultures, and traditions. The law also supports teaching in both Spanish and indigenous languages, like Mapudungun, in schools where indigenous children learn.
International Agreements for Indigenous People
Chile has also signed and approved an important international agreement called the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (ILO Convention 169). This agreement helps protect the rights of indigenous peoples around the world. Chile ratified it in 2008. In 2009, a court in Chile used this agreement to protect the water rights of the Aymara people, which was a big step for indigenous rights in the country.
Life and Challenges for Indigenous People
Even with these laws, indigenous people in Chile still face challenges. Historically, many have been separated from the rest of society due to cultural and geographical reasons. Sometimes, it has been hard for them to have a say in decisions that affect their lands and resources. They have also faced some unfair treatment. For example, a survey in 2003 showed that indigenous people earned less money than non-indigenous citizens for doing the same work.
Helping Indigenous Communities
The CONADI organization works to help indigenous communities. For example, in 2005, they helped give land titles back to about 300 Aymara families in the north. The government also provides financial help, like scholarships, for indigenous students from elementary school to college. In 2005, thousands of students received these scholarships to help them with their education.
The Mapuche Situation
The Mapuche conflict is an ongoing issue in southern Chile. There have been disagreements between some Mapuche groups and landowners or logging companies. These actions sometimes involve protests, and occasionally, land occupations or burning of buildings. Some groups, like the Coordinadora Arauco Malleco (CAM), have been involved in these actions.
The Chilean government has sometimes used strong laws, originally meant for terrorism, against Mapuche activists. This has led to concerns from international organizations like the United Nations. The government has been working on clarifying how these laws are used and finding ways to resolve the conflict peacefully.
See also
In Spanish: Pueblos indígenas en Chile para niños
