In an exclusive interview for Werken Noticias, conducted from inside the bio-bio prison of Concepción through his defense, Héctor Llaitul, spokesman and political prisoner of the Coordinadora Arauco-Malleco (CAM), reflected on the current state of the Mapuche struggle, his latest book, the legacy of Matías Catrileo and the necessary strategies to achieve justice and advance in the reconstruction of the Mapuche nation. This in the framework of the 17th anniversary of the murder of the young weichafe.
From the struggle for land to a great process of Mapuche national reconstruction
Llaitul positively evaluates the progress made since the death of Matías Catrileo, highlighting that the Mapuche movement has evolved towards a more comprehensive struggle, which constitutes the great legacy of the weichafe. “We went from the struggle for land to establishing the pillars to develop a great proposal for the national reconstruction of the Mapuche people, which implies fighting more strongly to recover the territory and the other identity aspects linked to political autonomy. This process is essential to guarantee the political, cultural and ideological rights of our people.”
From his perspective, the current struggle not only confronts the Chilean State, but also an entire system based on the neoliberal model, which he describes as “the most direct threat to the processes of territorial and cultural recovery promoted by the autonomist movement.”
The legacy of Matías Catrileo
For Llaitul, the figure of Matías Catrileo is central to the recent history of the Mapuche people. “Catrileo represents total dedication and the highest conviction in the struggle for the reconstruction of our people. His example continues to summon the new generations of weichafe,” he said.
He also stressed that the murder of Catrileo was an example of the systematic repression of the Chilean State in its most colonial and racist format, carried out under a government of the Concertación. “His death made evident the willingness of the Chilean State to politically repress and assassinate those who are decisively fighting for territorial recovery. This is part of the strategies that big business always imposes in defense of capital, using the governments of the day as tools to perpetuate oppression and domination.”
Strategies for Achieving Justice
According to Llaitul, “true justice for the death of Matías Catrileo will not come from the Chilean judicial system, which he accuses of being incapable of offering justice because its nature is colonial and it has always represented the oligarchy.” He adds: “Our way of honoring the fallen weichafe is to continue with the process of territorial recovery and with strategies aimed at the reconstruction of the Mapuche nation.”
“The State has always chosen to implement flawed compromises and negotiations that only seek to contain the struggle and resistance of our people, which leads us to the conviction that the struggle must be maintained from the communities, in the political and cultural fields and with the strength of the true weichafe.”
Facing criminalization and repression
The CAM has faced constant accusations and criminalization strategies. However, Llaitul affirms that these have not diverted the course of the struggle. “We face repression and persecution with dignity, without altering our political, ideological and cultural stance. The confrontation is direct and it is a reality that no one can deny, and resistance from the communities is fundamental in this process.”
Llaitul also pointed out that “the costs of this struggle, including political imprisonment and the militarization of the Wallmapu that affects the mobilized communities, are assumed with conviction, given that the Mapuche cause is absolutely necessary, not only for its justice, but also for the projection of a proposal for a better life for all.”
A call for resistance and solidarity
In his final message, Llaitul called on the Mapuche communities and society in general: “As CAM we continue to call on the communities in resistance, all our people and, of course, the new generations, to maintain the Mapuche cause, to fight with strength, with newen and with the conviction that we have seen in our martyrs. We are aware that the process has costs and consequences, and it is necessary to assume levels of sacrifice and loyalty to rebuild our nation.”
He also calls on oppressed Chilean society and the international movement for just causes to get involved in the recognition and respect of the rights of the Mapuche people, supporting actions of resistance and reconstruction in the face of a system that it considers oppressive.
The legacy of Matías Catrileo, according to Héctor Llaitul, “not only remains alive, but continues to be a guide for the Mapuche autonomist movement, on our path for the recovery of territory, autonomy and justice for a people that is known for never surrendering or abandoning its cultural and political forms.”
“Therefore, our best tribute on this emblematic date will be to continue on the path of the futa keche kuifi yem, maintaining the Mapuche national liberation process.”
¡WEUWAIN!
Resumen Latinoamericano, January 3, 2025