Support Network and Mapuche Houses in Concepcion, Chile

 

"We find ourselves today as we did before; against the savage selfishness of those who oppress and deny the rights of our Mapuche Nation."

 
The following statement was read in the cultural event, at Concepcion Plaza, after a rally involving the pu peñi and pu lamwen [brothers and sisters] of the communities in conflict, the networks of support, Mapuche student houses in Concepcion, urban Mapuche groups and a huge quantity of people pertaining to the different oppressed Chilean social sectors.
 
The banners, placards and slogans began their presence at 11:30 am from Peru Plaza, in front of the University of Concepcion. Many of them joined along the way, going towards the centre of town. Contrary to other rallies, [organizers decided] to not lead towards a government building, since we as Mapuche People do not have to ask anything of the government and its institutions.
 
On the contrary, the rally was carried out on streets adjacent to the market, where the most humble Chilean people reside and suffer the same kind of aggressiveness from capitalism.
Musical artist also contributed with their talents, accompanying the words of the organizing warrior and of lamwen Angelica Ñancupil of the Juana Millahual Community of Rucañanco (Lake Lleu-Lleu).
 
The event ended with a dance from Choike by the Mapuche brothers of Concepcion and Hualpen.
 
Public Communique
 
The Support Network and Mapuche Houses of Concepcion, state the following:
 
In commemorating the prompt anniversary of the imperialist invasion of our territories, we find ourselves today as we did before; against the savage selfishness of those who oppress and deny the rights of our Mapuche Nation.
 
It has been more than five centuries since the violence of the usurpers have violated our people, pillaging our natural resources, displacing ancient territory, and continue to threaten the life and future of our people today.
 
However our people have not been overcome. In this way, we send all our support to the Mapuche Communities in Conflict that at this moment resist the persistent invasion of logging companies, colonial landed estate owners, energy investments, and the interests of mining companies that attempt against their socio-political development.
 
In this way, we also denounce the oppressive Chilean State that guards the destruction of Ancient Mapuche Territory, through the militarized repression directed inside of the communities in conflict.
 
In this way they show their show their racism and intolerance, servile to the great Transnational interests, leading to jail, torture and even death.
 
It is for this reason that we salute the actions of resistance and self-defence of our communities, which is the most concrete expression of their dignity as Mapuche, without being intimidated by the repressive savagery of the state, nor be fooled by its institutional scraps.
 
These actions of principle, whereby the reclamation of territory, its defence, control, and practice of autonomy are crucial for the reconstruction of our people, should be firmly focused toward the long awaited National Mapuche Liberation.
 
We also salute every single Mapuche Political Prisoner that strongly take on the days of unjust incarceration, with the strength of their morale. As well, our support goes out to the many persecuted brothers, that have opted for the underground instead of letting themselves be submitted to racist judicial montages.
 
From here, we call out on our Mapuche brothers who live in the cities, to all of the Chilean social sectors, and to all oppressed people in general, to make solidarity with the struggle of our communities in conflict.
 
As much as the fascist press intends to isolate the Mapuche resistance, know that today more and more people are daily supporting us, strongly demanding.....
 
TO OUST THE LOGGING, ENERGY, MINING COMPANIES AND LANDED ESTATE OWNERS FROM ANCIENT MAPUCHE TERRITORY!!
 
DEMILITARIZE THE MAPUCHE COMMUNITIES IN CONFLICT!!
 
WITH ALEX LEMUN, MATIAS CATRILEO AND SO MANY OTHERS MURDERED BY THE CHILEAN STATE,
PRESENT IN EVERY DAY OF MAPUCHE STRUGGLE...
 
MARRICIWEU!!!!
 
Support Network of Mapuche Communities in Conflict and Mapuche Political Prisoners
Mapuche Student Houses
Lief Rakiduam
Pegun Dugan
Ruka Aliwen
 
Concepcion Warria, October 10, 2008
(More photos and video to come)
 
Distributed by:
The Women's Coordinating Committee Chile - Canada (Toronto)
Email: wccc_98@hotmail.com
 

"Mapuche Children do not want more Raids."