The Mapuche Nation

For over 350 years the Mapuche people defended their nation from invasion. Under the pretext of promoting civilisation and Christianity, firstly the Spanish and later the newly independent Chilean and Argentinean states conquered the Mapuche territories.  The Mapuche finally lost control of their lands in 1885, resulting in many people being killed or forced from their homes to live impoverished lives in small rural communities and the cities.

Today over a million and a half Mapuche live under Chilean and Argentinean rule. There right to self- determination is denied, whilst their lands, language and culture are under constant threat.  Despite return to democracy to this region the Mapuche are still marginalized, human rights violations continue and international laws are not recognized.