By Patricia Peña SANTIAGO, Chile,
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In fact, many telecentres are located in Mapuche communities, particularly Pehuenches, and are administered by associations that group these indigenous peoples: Melipeuco, Lonquimay y Villarrica. Until recently, these communities were completely cut-off from ways to access and unable to use these technologies. It is interesting that the names the organisations have given the telecentres are indicative of the meaning this new reality has acquired for them. In the first case, the name chosen was Chinkolmawn¸ which in the Mapudungún language (Mapuche language) means “meeting place”. That in the second place there is El Pakemu Ta Kimün Ka Llekemun¸ which means “the place where man comes to seek information and take knowledge”.
Mapuche community appropriation of ICT is gradual, because their daily life is being carried out at the crossroads of various issues. In terms of opportunity, the possibility of interacting and communication that connects them to the world is unquestionable. The different indigenous cultures have a tool that allows them to globally disseminate their culture. This also enables them to come closer to the experiences of and network with other indigenous populations. Furthermore, they enable access to different tools and resources that aim to improve daily life. On that note, for this process to take place, systematic and deep work is required because the lives of indigenous peoples are full of daily emergencies that involve the survival of the cultures, traditions and values. In this context, technologies are far fetched and can be problematic since they introduce new issues and challenges.
The greatest degree of closeness occurs when use is related to productive activities that are a part of their daily lives. For example: when campaigns directly related to kickstarting production in rural communities are carried out, or when they want to apply for various projects using internet to complete related proceedings.
A basic challenge that arises with this issue is both the lack of operating system software, programmes, and applications in their native languages, and to that effect, the development and strengthening of relevant content in their local language.
On the other hand, the telecentres themselves are not just a space to access technologies. It is key that, in these communes where both the members of organisations as well of the users live in remote areas and must travel long distances to meet, the telecentres become appropriated as community meeting spaces to converse and dialogue. In this context, the telecentre is more than a place to access a computer and internet. It is also the nervous centre where the community meets and shares a cup of mate.
Photo: Training session in the Mapuche commune of Villarica.
- Article translated from Spanish by APC.
