Indios reyunos facts for kids

Indios reyunos was a special name for a group of Huilliche people during colonial times. They were like helpers or servants, called yanakuna, who settled in areas like Calbuco and Abtao in Southern Chile.

This group came from indigenous people who stayed loyal to the Spanish after a big conflict called the Destruction of the Seven Cities (1599–1604). They followed the Spanish from cities like Valdivia and Osorno to new settlements near the Chiloé Archipelago. About 600 of them moved, and 300 settled in Calbuco.

Because they were so loyal, the Spanish gave them special rewards. They didn't have to pay tribute (a type of tax) and were free from the encomienda system, which forced indigenous people to work for Spanish settlers. Instead, they even received a salary from something called the Real Situado, which was money sent from the Spanish government.

Loyalty During Conflicts

The Indios reyunos were very important during a conflict in 1712 involving Alejandro Garzón and José Marín de Velasco. They also played a key role in the Huilliche rebellion that happened in Chiloé.

During this rebellion, the Indios reyunos in Calbuco remained loyal to the Spanish. When a messenger from Chiloé tried to get them to join the rebellion, they captured him instead. This showed their strong commitment to the Spanish side.