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On the 150th anniversary of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia
Marri marri pu Lonko, pu Machi,
Marri marri pu werken, pu Ngenpin,
Marri marri pu Weupife, pu Kona,
Marri marri Kompuche.
Tourtoirac, France, 17th of November 2010; as we stand united alongside the tomb of King Orélie Antoine 1st, we pay homage to all the founders of the Constitutional Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia.
The Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia has retained throughout the last 150 years the sovereign rights which were conferred on 17th November 1860, at the foot of Adencul Hill in Toki Kilapan's community, upon King Orélie Antoine 1st. At the same time we wish to pay heartfelt homage to the great authorities of the Mapuche nation who played a leading role in the creation and life of the Kingdom: to the Toki Kilapan and Kalfukura and to the chiefs of Huentucol, Leviou, Melin, Millavil, Lemunao, Montri, Kulaweke, Kallfukoy, Pinto, Levin, Villumir, Leucon, Mariwal, Lefiou, Katrikura, Nawelkura, Namkuchew, Lienan, Kuramil, Puran, Reuquekura, Namunkura, Pincen and many others who we honour on this day of commemoration.
We carry many memories from our history and the great hunger strike of the 38 Mapuche political prisoners is still fresh in our minds. Neither can we forget the current trials which many Mapuche political prisoners are having to undergo throughout the Wallmapu. Also very much in our hearts are all our brothers murdered by the Chilean state police and the Rio Negro police in Puelmapu. The truth is that there have been countless atrocities suffered by our people throughout the last 150 years. Even a whole encyclopedia would not have enough space to recount all of these atrocities.
Following the invasion of the Wallmapu by Chile and Argentina, which came to an end 125 years ago, the Mapuche nation has been enslaved by the judicial and political apparatus of both states, who became the oppressors of our people and preyed on our resources, violating the sovereign rights of our nation by force of arms, legislative ordinances and judicial decisions.
In their respective constitutions Chile and Argentina have ratified the terms of international treaties. In their Magna Carta is affirmed the obligation to honour the pact of pacta sunt servanta, or ‘agreements must be kept', and they are obliged to observe and respect these laws that have been agreed with our nation. We recognise all the solemn and sacred pacts which we signed with our neighbours. In their acts, both nations have denied us the rights which were obtained in international treaties signed firstly with Spain, and with Argentina and Chile following their independence.
In effect, Argentina recognizes indigenous people in its constitution, as it has ratified ILO Convention 169, but the adoption of various laws does not stop the fact that their rights are continually violated by provincial governments and their judicial and law enforcement apparatus. This is not making amends for what has happened in our history and the way in which this law is implemented is a joke. If the intention of the Government was really to make historical amends, they should take responsibility and demonstrate a consistent policy towards indigenous people by applying as a priority National law 26160 throughout the whole country.
The recognition of the rights of indigenous people in the Chilean legislature has always been less satisfactory than in Argentina: the indigenous law is weak and useless, Agreement 169 of the OIT was ratified but not put in to practice, and consultation and dialogue have always been fraudulent. Today the Chilean Congress is working on its constitutional recognition of indigenous people without even consulting them.
Today more than ever the Mapuche nation continues to be the victim of the persecution and violence with which Chile and Argentina maintain an unjust status quo, having carried out abuses and atrocities since the end of the 19th century. It will only be possible to resolve this long conflict by addressing its original causes: the occupation of Mapuche territory and the genocide, impoverishment, discrimination and judicial defenselessness which our people are subject to.
For 150 years we have been faithful to the words sworn by King Orélie Antoine 1st with the traditional Mapuche authorities; it has been 150 years of fighting and solidarity. Today we reaffirm our sovereignty and our independence; rights which our ancestors, like us, have continued to safeguard in order to serve the Mapuche nation. We will promote these rights until we have achieved a free Mapuche people, with an autonomous government democratically elected by its people.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, we do not have to wait another 150 years, the time has come to put into practice that which was established in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, in particular the right of autonomy and self determination. We will achieve this standing always united, respecting each other’s differences and talents, with our defects and virtues, without losing hope, nor weakening, until we have reestablished the Mapuche nation with its legitimate rights.
Marrichiweu!
Philip
Prince of Araucania and Patagonia
Tourtoirac, 17th November 2010