Chile announces roadmap to resolve conflict with the Mapuche people

Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced measures to resolve the conflict between the State and the Mapuche people, such as expediting the distribution of lands, creating an indigenous affairs body, and reactivating the communities' economies.
 
During a televised address to the nation, Boric highlighted the work of the commission, which, over two years convened more than 5,000 people and developed recommendations on the long-standing problem in Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos. Therefore, he said, in the second half of the year we will take the first step toward changing the indigenous land system and making it efficient and transparent, with clear criteria for addressing what is missing.

This seeks to definitively close the issue, which constitutes a historic contribution from this commission, as it addresses the deepest root of the conflict, stated the president.

He also announced the beginning of the consultation process with the Mapuche people on the new institutional framework, and the mechanisms proposed by the commission that will allow them to be given greater support and legitimacy, as established by Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization.

Furthermore, Boric said, “We will strengthen the support program for victims of rural violence to offer ongoing help, including psychosocial care, and we will present a comprehensive reparation initiative to Congress.”

The president reported that they will promote a reform bill for the constitutional recognition of indigenous peoples, along with the same lines proposed by the commission. In addition, they will create a new body to represent indigenous affairs before the State.

Boric instructed the Minister of Economy to develop and implement an economic revitalization and investment plan, especially in the Arauco and Malleco regions, that will provide new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for their inhabitants.