500 Years Week in Brisbane

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE -- “We give homage to all the Mapuches and other people who have shed their blood in the struggle against the European invaders [of the Americas]”, Domingo Collicoi, representative of the Mapuche indigenous people of Chile, told a public lecture here on October 9.

Collicoi explained the courageous history of the Mapuche people, who resisted the Spanish armies and forced Spain to sign a treaty in 1641, after a very long war.

Their struggle for land rights continues to this day and, despite the fall of the Pinochet regime, they face persecution by the new “democratic” government.

A visiting judge has set up an inquiry into the supposed “crimes” of the Mapuche people, and their leaders are now on trial, Collicoi said.

“We are living through a very historic moment, especially for the indigenous peoples”, he added. “We need understanding, solidarity, commitment and practical support.”

Also speaking at the meeting were Michael Redshirt of the Dakota people of North America, and Bobbie Anderson, representing the Aboriginal people of Australia.

The meeting highlighted a week of activities to commemorate the 500 Years of Indigenous, Popular and Black Resistance in Latin America, from October 5-11.

Other events included a Latin American film night, a symposium at the University of Queensland, a Latin American fiesta and a “Mass for a Continent in Struggle” on the Sunday.

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