J-Term Practica, 2016
Chile Practicum: A Journey into exploring Transitional (In) Justice
February 26, 2016
On January 9th, 2016, Global Majority and Professor Jan Black of Middlebury Institute of International Studies led the Chile J-Term practicum, “Transitional Injustice,” Human Rights and Chile’s Vulnerable Populations.
This thirteen-day practicum focused on the Chilean government’s treatment of its indigenous people through an extensive curriculum that incorporated both academic and personal testimonies of the Mapuche communities, the student movement, anti-terrorism laws and indigenous autonomy. It was an excellent opportunity to explore firsthand the struggle faced by the indigenous communities of Chile.
( Aucan Huilcaman @ Consejo de Todas las Tierras)
Led by Professor Jan Black, along
with Lejla Mavris (Global Majority) we analyzed Pinochet-era human rights violations and indigenous rights. We gained in field experience on gathering data through direct observation, interviewing and social interactions the local government and with the members of the Mapuche communities (using the Spanish language)
The course started off in Santiago where we got an in-depth look into the history of Chile during the dictatorship. While visiting the remarkable memorial to Chile’s detained and disappeared, Parque por la Paz Villa Grimaldi, we were able to get a detailed and in-depth tour from Juan Guzman. It is here we learned first-hand the devastating toll it had on the people of Chile. Juan Guzman was able to give us a first-hand account of the horrors that the detained endured when brought to this detention center, which now serves as a memorial. In Santiago, we had the chance to attend lectures at the Universidad Bolivariana taught by Prof. Patricia Albornoz. After spending a number of days in Santiago learning of Chile’s past along with its present turmoil’s we headed south to Temuco. Here in Temuco, we visited with local Mapuche communities to not only observe but also to better understand their plight, everyday challenges and uphill battles they have endured in seeking autonomy. Coming away from this trip, I have a better understanding of the history of Chile and what its people have experienced as they have transitioned to a democratic government. This practicum has given me a greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for the Mapuche, as they struggle to have their voices heard and their rights respected.
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