Chile’s indigenous groups mark Columbus Day with protest

According to the 2012 Census, 11.3 percent of the population identifies as indigenous. Approximately 1.5 million, or 9 percent of the population, registered as Mapuche, making it the country’s largest indigenous group.The Mapuche people have been fighting for years, both in courts and protests, to accelerate the repatriation of traditional lands. The Chilean government made agreements to give some of the land back, but as a report from the United Nations last month commented, the timetable for the repatriation process would mean little progress in the near future.This perceived inaction or delay has been met by regular demonstrations and occasional violent protest including arson attacks on disputed lands. The government response has been to treat these attacks as acts of terrorism. Many of the Mapuche political prisoners currently in custody are being held under Chile’s anti-terrorism law.Spokeswoman for Meli Wixan Mapu, Patricia Lienlaf, said an activity is also planned for Saturday in the Angol prison where many of those incarcerated for crimes committed in the name of the Mapuche struggle are held.

via Chile’s indigenous groups mark Columbus Day with protest.