The indigenous Mapuche people live in south-central Chile and south-west Argentina. They resisted the attempts by both the Incas and the Spanish to conquer them, but in 1855 their heartland of Araucania at last became part of Chile. Today they make up about four per cent of the country’s population – although many more Chileans can trace a thread of Mapuche ancestry. They are primarily Christian, their Catholic or Protestant beliefs mixed, in many cases, with traditional practices.
Beatriz Neilaf, 35, is a Mapuche from the rural region of Tranahuillin, in Araucanía. She is a member of the Church of the Lord.
How would you describe a typical Mapuche woman?
A Mapuche woman is hard-working … intelligent …a fighter… Because of her limited education, she has had to suffer to succeed. But even so, she faces up to life by working in any way that she can.
Christian Mapuche women put their trust in God, and in their fight for to enact human ideals they always place their trust in God.
What dreams do you have for yourself?
My dream would be to succeed in having an independent job. I’d like to finish my studies, then set up my own small business – and be able to give work to other women in a similar situation.
Apart from that my dreams are for my people: for them to go on fearing God and for God’s Word to go on being taught in the Church and in Sunday School, but in our language. The language is the most important part of Mapuche culture. My great dream is that the Mapuche should use their own language again — and use it to worship God and guide the people.
Is there a verse of Scripture that you particularly like?
Psalm 121: 8: “…He will protect you as you come and go now and forever.” (GNB) Although I like the whole Psalm, that particular verse strengthens my trust in God. I know that I ask from my heart that he will always watch over me because he is merciful
What would you like women across the world to pray for concerning the Mapuche people?
I’d ask them to pray about the way Mapuche people look at life: that it might change and that the Holy Spirit will lead them to depend on God and seek guidance from him.
Also, that our children may get a proper education, that we Mapuche may not suffer discrimination either in school or in employment, that we may have work and be respected as human beings.
And, for us women, that we may receive training in different areas of work.
And for the country?
That the laws passed will support the family and that our country may really give recognition to God.
Anything else?
That, if this year brings difficulties, the Lord may give us the strength to face them without falling away from him.
Interview by Javier García, Communications Officer of the Chilean Bible Society.