Mapuche struggle for land in Chile

A militant struggle by the Mapuche, one of Chile’s Indigenous peoples, forced the government to create a high commission for indigenous rights in late January.

The Mapuche had their land stolen and were brutally repressed during the Pinochet dictatorship. The current Bachelet government continues to favor corporations and carry out police raids in the Mapuche communities.

The Mapuche want their land returned and all political prisoners released. The struggle has intensified in recent months with a wave of protests and a 111-day hunger strike by activist Patricia Troncoso.

Mapuche spokesperson Jorge Huenchullán said: “We want no more persecution, no more imprisonment of our people. We want our territories back and we want to live as an autonomous nation. Marichiweu!” (“We will triumph ten times!”)