Take Action

You can make a tangible difference by supporting these organizations that advocate for the Mapuche and other Indigenous groups in Latin America. If you do not speak Spanish, I would highly recommend downloading a web browser extension to translate the Spanish-language sites, which are very informative.


A Mapuche woman holding the Mapuche flag and walking among a group of protestors. (Source: Vocería del Gobierno, 2014 via Flickr)

Observatorio de Conflictos Mineros de América Latina (OCMAL) *Spanish site*

OCMAL was created by a group of Latin American organizations concerned with defending Indigenous communities from multinational mining corporations. The site contains articles on relevant environmental news and a comprehensive map of mining conflicts in Latin American countries.


A group of Chilean and Mapuche protestors march in Santiago. (Source: Mapuexpress Informativo Mapuche, 2013 via Flickr)

Intercontinental Cry (IC): Essential News on the world’s Indigenous Peoples

IC is a non-profit newsroom that covers Indigenous issues in the US and Latin America. The site includes a page that helpfully organizes articles by region as well as a weekly ‘crash course’ on Indigenous news.


Mapuche protestors in Santiago hold a banner that reads: “Resistance dignifies our path to self-determination” [Translation mine]. (Source: Mapuexpress Informativo Mapuche, 2013 via Flickr)

Mapuexpress: Colectivo de Comunicación Mapuche *Spanish site*

Mapuexpress is a social collective that defends and advocates for Mapuche Indigenous Rights. Its members collaborate with Mapuche communities to publish informative articles on extractive projects and resistance activities.


Two Mapuche performers play traditional instruments: the trutruca, a wooden flute, and the kultrun, a hide drum. (Source: Municipalidad Nueva Imperial, 2015 via Flickr)

Hemispheric Institute (Hemi)

Hemi is a New York-based collaborative of institutions, performers, and researchers dedicated to empowering diverse communities in the performing arts. Hemi organizes biennial Encuentros—events that merge scholarship, activism, and performance art to inspire intercultural dialogue and social change. Their site contains a comprehensive digital video library of performances, the first of its kind in the Americas.


Mapuche protestors hold a banner that reads: “Mapuche resistance is non-negotiable” [Translation mine]. (Source: Carol Cristoso Cadiz, 2010 via Flickr)

Spanda Foundation: The Mapuche Chapter

Spanda is an international civil society organization that focuses on capacity-building and economic empowerment. The group has worked with many Indigenous Nations, including the Mapuche, to implement community-led sustainable development initiatives.