Ecobreves – CHILE: Mapuches Unite for Rights

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

SANTIAGO, Jul 13 2009 (IPS) - Leaders of the Mapuche, the largest indigenous group in Chile, announced a new offensive against the Michelle Bachelet government to demand greater land, political and cultural rights. Around 100 Mapuche leaders arrived in Santiago Jul. 7, making the trip from the southern region of Araucanía, to try to meet with the president. They were not received, so left a letter for her.

“We know that Mapuche people's demands cause the state pain. Everything that is to come will be very painful,” said “lonko” (chief) Juan Carlos Curinao, who said the Mapuche had overcome their divisions and are ready to fight as a united peoples.

“The movement of the Mapuche has begun. We are tired of waiting. Now we are going to consider our next actions,” he told Tierramérica.