A journey through Chile’s conflict with Mapuche rebel groups

Lucia Newman travels to the heart of a rapidly escalating conflicting, speaking to those involved, including the elusive leader of the main armed Indigenous rebel group.

“The possibility of rebuilding the Mapuche nation is on the horizon of many in the Mapuche movement.”Hector Llaitul, leader of the CAM The south-central region of Chile is breathtakingly beautiful. There are snow-capped volcanoes, lakes and rivers, and majestic Araucaria trees that are hundreds of years old. There are endless forests and wheat fields. And, until 150 years ago, it was all Indigenous Mapuche territory. The Mapuche call it Wallmapu, which means “men of the earth” in their language, Mapuzugun.