For the second time in fifteen days ten Wichí representatives made the long and costly journey from their lands in northern Argentina to the capital to meet President Kirchner. Once again, the promised meeting did not materialise.
The Wichí had originally asked for a meeting to press their long-standing claim for the protection of what remains of their ancestral lands. The government of the province of Salta, where the Indians live, is forcing through a scheme to split up their land between the individual Indian villages and the settlers who have occupied the most fertile areas over the last century. The Wichí believe that the federal government, as a signatory to international conventions recognising Indian land rights, has a responsibility to ensure that their lands are properly protected.
After waiting for four days in the capital, the Wichí were finally told that the long-awaited meeting would not take place. The Wichí are used to waiting: they were originally promised their land in 1991.
Argentina: President keeps Wichí waiting, then won't see them
December 23, 2005
Related news articles
- Six indigenous children die of malnutrition in Argentina - Thu February 10, 2011
- Wichí appeal for help - Wed August 24, 2005
- Supreme Court backs Wichí - Wed October 01, 2003
- Judge sides with Wichí against land barons - Fri February 01, 2002
Most recent
- Global protests mark int’l day of action to #SaveHasdeo - Mon May 09, 2022
- Bushmen anger as beloved elder refused burial in Botswana game reserve - Mon April 25, 2022
- Venezuela and Brazil: Violence and destruction escalate in the Yanomami territory - Tue April 19, 2022
- India: massive coal mining expansion in tribal forests green-lighted - Wed April 13, 2022