National Day of Indigenous People in Chile 2023: Date, History, Facts about Chile’s indigenous peoples

National Day of Indigenous People is observed between June 20 and June 24 in Chile, and will be observed on June 21 this year. This day honours the indigenous communities’ rituals and beliefs. According to the indigenous worldview, the festivity also coincides with the winter solstice, which marks the beginning of a new year. Chileans observe the day as a public holiday and observe it with educational seminars, gatherings, and demonstrations that honour and venerate Chile’s indigenous peoples.

The background of National Day of Indigenous People

The vibrant and thriving democracy of Chile is a shining example of the extraordinary progress made over the past century. More than two million indigenous people live in Chile, constituting nearly 13 percent of the population. Ten prominent indigenous communities reside in Chile, including the Aymara, Atacameo, Quechua, Colla, Changos, Diaguita, Rapanui, Kawésqar, Yagán, and Mapuche. Prior to Spanish colonisation, the country’s communities coexisted in peace and shared resources. After the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century, the indigenous peoples began to disperse across the territory in order to survive.

National Day of Indigenous People honours the indigenous peoples’ historical contributions. The day also commemorates the wealth and cultural diversity of Chile’s diverse population. In 1998, President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle announced it via a Supreme Decree. According to indigenous worldview, today is the winter solstice, which marks the beginning of a new year. The national holiday unites Chileans of various backgrounds who gather together to honour the richness and complexity of indigenous religions and cultures. The National Corporation for Indigenous Development and Indigenous Communities organises seminars, inaugurations, educational events, and parades to highlight the indigenous people’s distinctive customs.

On this day, Chileans contemplate on the country’s illustrious past and the geographical destiny shared by Native Americans and European migrants. Because the social capital of the settled colonies exceeds that of the indigenous nations, it is incumbent upon the former to grant the latter the courtesy of recognition and assimilation. Additionally, indigenous people participate in public programmes and share their ancestral prowess and cultural riches with fellow citizens.

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5 interesting facts about Chile’s indigenous peoples

One-third of Chile’s indigenous population lives in destitution.

Chile is the only country in Latin America whose constitution does not include or recognise indigenous people.

Of the ten tribes, the Mapuche tribe is the most politically active.

Convention 169 recognises the rights and sovereignty of indigenous peoples by the Chilean government.

The government of Chile recently invested $24 billion in the infrastructure and productivity of indigenous communities.

NATIONAL DAY OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE DATES