Indigenous Nations in Chile

Photo Essay project

Today there are ten indigenous nations throughout Chile who are struggling to survive by keeping their identity alive. They are the Aymara, Quechua, Licanantai, Rapa Nui, Colla, Diaguita, Mapuche, Kawesqar, Chango and Yagan. For almost two centuries and up till now, they have suffered political, economic, social and cultural discrimination. They are still suffering economic hardship, racial discrimination, and even the militarization of their land.

Discrimination against the Indigenous people of Chile has many detrimental effects on their lives. Often they feel forced to avoid speaking their native language and hide their identity by changing their names to be able to "fit" and escape social exclusion for example.

Indigenous women and girls often suffer triple discrimination for being indigenous, poor and female. Indigenous peoples in Chile remain among the poorest, least educated and most malnourished sector of Chilean society.

Our goals : • Promote a better understanding of Indigenous Peoples through a comprehensive & unbiased visual focus as well as through related opportunities to engage in and promote inter-cultural and cross-cultural dialogue. • Educate audiences about the different costumes still practiced within the culture of the nine indigenous nations. • Create awareness about the unfair conditions the indigenous people are living due the discrimination against them. • Help eradicate the stereotypical indigenization of Indigenous peoples. • Help raise value of multiculturalism and increased social inclusion.