Ethnopolitics of the maritime space and the role of Lafkenche Territorial Identity in the request for maritime coastal spaces for native peoples

Abstract

This paper analyzes the role of the Lafkenche Territorial Identity (ITL) in the configuration of an ethnopolitical conflict over access to maritime territory for native peoples in Chile. By describing and analyzing the emergence and development of this ethnopolitical organization, it shows an effective way in which a part of the Mapuche people uses the spaces of ethnogovernment in their favor and becomes an important actor against the State. In fact, our study of the intervention of the ITL in the commune of Hualaihué, shows successful forms of ethnopolitization of williches indigenous communities that are organized for exclusive access as indigenous to the maritime territory, pointing out new routes for the development of the demands of indigenous peoples against the State of Chile.