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MAPUCHE WATCH
August 25, 2005
Riding Representing
Aucan Huilcamán thinks big. He is leading the “Cavalcade for the Power of the Mapuche Land,” on horseback, riding from La Intendencia to La Moneda in the heart of the Chilean capital. He is collecting signatures throughout, notwithstanding the meteorological and political challenges. As a proud Mapuche man, and indigenous leader in Temuco, he is running as the voice for his people – and running for the presidency.
The Campaign
Huilcaman has already gotten the support of various deputies and leaders in communities throughout the “La Araucania” region of Chile as well as from Aymaras, Atacameños, Collas and Quechuas. Officially, 40,000 signatures are needed to be a presidential candidate in the upcoming November elections in Chile.
Huilcaman is leading the cavalcade on a white horse bravely waving the Mapuche nation flag to show the world that the Mapuche people are alive and present. “The basic liberties are not available for us Mapuches, so we are speaking up,” Huilcaman explains, “we’re riding to give a message to all that this bi-party system leaves out the indigenous peoples, social organizations, and the average Chilean.”
Cultural Diversity in Chile
“We can’t celebrate the Bicentennial of this country pretending that there are only Chileans in this country,” Huilcamán stated, continuing “Here there are Chileans, as well as Aymaras, Rapa Nui and Mapuche and we’re all here too.” We want our indigenous vote to also have a political value, a weight in society. We will no longer accept being excluded. The collective force is in effect. They are well on their way.
Challenges
While the cavalcade has been battling the freezing cold temperatures and intense rainfall, the riders are keeping strong. Aside from the weather, getting so many signatures is another mighty challenge. They are collecting two types of signatures. The first kind is notarized and the others are not. Since there is a cost to notarize a signature, the citizens who can’t afford it are signing anyways, representing the public support. Some notaries are clearly opposed to the minority cause, charging 2000 pesos per signature.
The Future
While Huilcamán doesn’t have the resources of other politicians, he is committed to collecting these signature. While he may not have the financial resources for running a presidential campaign, he affirms “we are showing them that our vote [the indigenous vote] matters – and they will need to keep us into consideration in the upcoming elections.”
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