Modern Mapuche Niña
Quite a large number of Mapuche moved into cities in recent years. In an attempt to assimilate into modern Chilean society, many Mapuche even changed their last names. A high number of Mapuche moved to Santiago hoping to find work, but found it was difficult for them to find jobs and be accepted into mainstream life.
The Mapuche have made huge strides in regaining their land and trying to get recognition as a protected indigenous people. They did have some success with the Indigenous Act in 1993, which prohibited indigenous people from being forcibly moved from their land. As a result of this legislation, the government must now offer the people a similar piece of land and the Mapuche must accept the terms of the arrangement before they can be moved. Further, the Mapudungun language and culture was officially recognized under this law.
The formation of the CONADI (Corporación Nacional de Desarollo Indígena) also benefited the Mapuche. Under this state authority, the cultural identity of the people is respected and Mapuche land is to be protected.
When you study Spanish in Chile, you may have the opportunity to meet Mapuche people, especially if you spend time in Santiago. It is possible that you will even witness protests. In October 2011, thousands of Mapuche people marched to protest the treatment of their people. While this may not be something that you expected when you signed up to attend Spanish school in Chile, the Mapuche and the ongoing fight for their rights is quite important to understand