by CHARLOTTE KARRLSSON-WILLIS and SAM EDWARDS
Demonstrators took to the streets Saturday to celebrate indigenous culture, demand political self-determination and decry the government’s response to the ongoing disputes over land rights in the South of the country.
Forming a sea of color, music and tradition, thousands of demonstrators marched through downtown Santiago in support of indigenous rights this Columbus Day in a lively, but peaceful, protest.
While a carnival atmosphere and traditional customs were abundant, tensions with the Chilean government and police force were never far away.
Addressing the crowd, speakers referenced the frequently fraught relationship between Mapuche communities and the state. References to ongoing conflicts over disputed land, the treatment of incarcerated Mapuche activists and numerous allegations of police brutality were prominent in both speeches and the signs carried by demonstrators.
Patricia Lienlaf, spokeswoman for Meli Wixan Mapu — the Mapuche campaign group leading the protest — said the march sought to denounce systematic brutalization of indigenous communities in the South of Chile.
“We are marching against state terrorism,” said Lienlaf. “We are here to say enough of state terrorism, enough of militarization and police agents in our communities which is happening now in our territories and keep our community, our children, women, elders and men repressed. We are all stigmatized by this fight.”
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