Mapuches, Etnoturismo

SIT Graduate Institute/SIT Study Abroad

DigitalCollections@SIT
ISP Collection SIT Study Abroad

10-1-2007

Valorar lo nuestro para fortalecer el futuro: Etnoturismo mapuche en la IX Región
Ashleigh Martin
SIT Study Abroad

Recommended Citation
Martin, Ashleigh, "Valorar lo nuestro para fortalecer el futuro: Etnoturismo mapuche en la IX Región" (2007). ISP Collection. Paper 165.http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/165

This Unpublished Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the SIT Study Abroad at DigitalCollections@SIT. It has been accepted for inclusion in ISP Collection by an authorized administrator of DigitalCollections@SIT. For more information, please contact digitalcollections@sit.edu.

Valorar lo nuestro para fortalecer el futuro:Etnoturismo mapuche en la IX Región

Ashleigh Martin SIT Chile: Cultura, Desarrollo y Justicia Social Fall 2007
Consejero: Kammal Alejandro Samur Medina, Ingeniero en Gestión Forestal Director Académico: Mark Sinclair

ABSTRACT The mapuche people have lived a history of struggle. Today it seems they are faced with the impossible choice of being poor and without the resources to maintain theirculture, or succumbing to the pressures of a world imbued with globalization and equally changing what is fundamentally theirs. As a unique solution to this problem, many mapuche individuals and communities have opted to develop “turismo mapuche”, or ethnic tourism programs—part of a recent trend toward a more responsible form of tourism. These programs strive to provide tourists with the opportunityto experience cultures different from their own. The primary aim of this study was to determine if these programs provide the mapuche with a viable way to maintain and strengthen their culture. In order to investigate this I lived in two different communities where ethic tourism has become an integral part of life. I incorporated myself into these communities through observing, interviewing, andactively participating in the daily activities and elements of the tourism programs. I also conducted interviews at governmental organizations and tourism agencies that play a role in supporting the mapuche in their efforts. The results of my investigation include a detailed description of each of the two ethic tourism initiatives and an analysis of their internal strengths and weaknesses, as wellas external opportunities and threats. In both cases I saw that ethic tourism does indeed provide the mapuche with both a greater economic income and the possibility to strengthen their culture. The mapuche people have a deep respect for nature and the environment, and this importance is manifested in the programs as well. Finally, the benefits of these programs extend to the tourists themselves,often having a deep impact on their outlook on life and their view of the mapuche people.

AGRADECIMIENTOS Me gustaría agradecer a las siguientes personas y organizaciones que me apoyaron en mi investigación. La ayuda de ellos fue esencial en el éxito de mi trabajo. Primero, mi consejero, Kammal Samur, cuyo apoyo me guió y me inspiró en cada paso de mi investigación. Tanto en encontrarmateriales, hacer los contactos, responder a mis preguntas por lo cual su ayuda me motivó a hacer un buen trabajo. En segundo lugar, obviamente le agradezco mucho la hospitalidad de la gente de Chol Chol y Llaguepulli. En Chol Chol, la familia de Martín Paineo, especialmente a sus dos hijas Liliana y Rosita, cuya buena voluntad de compartir conmigo hizo más fácil la realización de mi trabajo. EnLlaguepulli, sobre todo Mauricio Painefil y su familia, quienes me acogieron en su casa y en sus vidas. Gracias a Mauricio, tuve la oportunidad de conocer su programa, su comunidad y experimentar una cultura nueva. Me gustaría agradecer específicamente a Patricio Painefil, Nadia Painefil, Luís Painefil, y Rosa Curiqueo por sus entrevistas. Además es importante expresar mi gratitud a Crispin Conroy,...