The term Chile uses for indigenous people is “pueblos originarios” or “pueblos indígenas” in Spanish.
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The term Chile uses for indigenous people is “pueblos originarios” or “pueblos indígenas” in Spanish. These terms refer to the diverse ethnic groups that have inhabited the territory of Chile for thousands of years before the arrival of European colonizers. The indigenous population in Chile is rich in cultural diversity, with different communities preserving their unique traditions, languages, and ways of life.
Here are some interesting facts about indigenous people in Chile:
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Diversity: Chile is home to various indigenous groups, including the Mapuche, Aymara, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Quechua, and Diaguita, among others. Each group has its own distinct cultural heritage, languages, and customs.
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Mapuche Influence: The Mapuche people are the largest indigenous group in Chile and have a significant cultural and historical influence in the country. They are known for their fierce resistance against Spanish colonization and their ongoing fight for land rights and cultural autonomy.
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Cultural Heritage: Indigenous communities in Chile have a rich cultural heritage, encompassing traditional music, dance, myths, artwork, cuisine, and clothing. These cultural expressions are often passed down through generations and play a vital role in preserving their identity.
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Language Diversity: Besides Spanish, there are several indigenous languages spoken in Chile, such as Mapudungun (Mapuche language), Quechua, Aymara, and Rapa Nui. Efforts are being made to revitalize and promote the use of these languages, recognizing their importance in preserving indigenous cultures.
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Land and Rights: Indigenous communities in Chile have faced historical and ongoing challenges regarding land rights, social discrimination, and political representation. There have been movements advocating for greater recognition, respect, and participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making processes.
To provide a visual representation of the indigenous communities in Chile, here is a table showcasing some of the major groups and their approximate population:
| Indigenous Group | Approximate Population |
|---|---|
| Mapuche | 1,700,000 |
| Aymara | 40,000 |
| Rapa Nui | 5,000 |
| Quechua | 2,000 |
| Diaguita | 2,000 |
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our nation.” This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the cultural diversity of indigenous peoples, celebrating their heritage, and promoting social inclusion in Chile and beyond.
Video response
The Mapuche language, Mapudungun, is facing the risk of extinction in Chile. Only a small percentage of the Mapuche people, who represent 10% of the population, speak the language, most of whom are over 50 years old. Losing the language means losing the ancient knowledge and cultural identity of the Mapuche. The oppression faced by the Mapuche people in Chile has had a significant impact on the suppression of their language, but there is a growing movement to reclaim and revitalize Mapudungun. Efforts are being made to preserve cultural practices and traditions, and there is a call for bilingual education that includes indigenous languages. Despite the challenges, there is optimism for the future of the Mapuche people and their language.
Some additional responses to your inquiry
Indigenous Peoples in Chile There are 10 different Indigenous groups in Chile. The largest one is the Mapuche, followed by the Aymara, the Diaguita, the Lickanantay, and the Quechua peoples.
Mapuche
About 12% of Chileans define themselves as indigenous, most of them as Mapuche
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What are indigenous people called in South America?
The term aborigen (lit. aborigine) is used in Argentina and pueblos aborígenes (lit. aboriginal peoples) is commonly used in Colombia. The English term "Amerindian" (short for "Indians of the Americas") is often used in the Guianas.
What is the name of Chile’s largest remaining indigenous group?
Response: There are 10 different indigenous groups in Chile. The largest one is Mapuche, followed by the Aymara, the Diaguita, the Lickanantay, and the Quechua peoples. Chile is the only country in Latin America that does not recognise the indigenous peoples in its constitution.
What do the Mapuche call themselves?
Answer to this: There are also around 300.000 Mapuches living in Argentina. The Mapuche people call themselves differently according to where they live, for example the Huilliche, people from the south, the Lafkenche, people from the west or the Nagche, people of the valley.
Who are the indigenous people of Chile and Argentina?
The Mapuche people are the original inhabitants of a vast territory in what is now Chile and Argentina. Despite making up almost 10% of Chile’s population, the Mapuche people and their truly remarkable history regrettably remain relatively unknown to the common man of the western world.
What are the indigenous peoples of Chile?
Answer: The largest one is the Mapuche, followed by the Aymara, the Diaguita, the Lickanantay, and the Quechua peoples. Chile is the only country in Latin America, that does not recognise the Indigenous Peoples in its constitution. For that, Indigenous groups face challenges, especially in terms of territorial rights.
Is Chile a plurinational country?
As an answer to this: The draft charter defines Chile as “plurinational” and refers to the people of Chile as being “composed of various nations.” It also contains provisions on Indigenous consultation, autonomous territories for Indigenous groups and recognition of Indigenous justice. Chile’s population is 12.8% Indigenous, according to the most recent census figures.
Does Chile have a policy on Indigenous consultation?
The reply will be: The policy on Indigenous consultation would not represent a significant departure from Chile’s obligations under the Tribal Peoples Convention 169, an international treaty on Indigenous rights that Chile has ratified. Bringing claims under this international treaty, however, can be onerous and expensive.
What percentage of Chileans are native?
Response to this: Today only about 5 percent of the population is native Mapuche and other indigenous groups. Nearly 95 percent of Chileans have a mixture of native and European roots. There are areas in the south where the Mapuche live, speak their language, and practice their own religion.