Mapuche vs Sioux at Standing Rock

In both the United States and Chile, indigenous people are fighting for their rights. After researching both the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Mapuche struggles for territorial rights in Chile, there are several similarities. Both the Mapuche and the Sioux are losing both freedom and land. The Dakota Access Pipeline controversy came up this year. The Dakota Access Pipeline was proposed to extend under part of Lake Oahe near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. This would not only threaten their water supply and health, but would disturb ancient sacred grounds. In Chile, the Mapuche’s land had been given to European immigrants and they were left with a very small portion of the area they once occupied. Unfortunately, the government of the countries both of these groups reside in do not always respect the rights and needs of these people. Throughout American history, Native Americans were pushed farther and farther from their homes onto reservations, not seen as their own sovereignty. The Mapuche feel similar. Being uprooted from their land is very personal, considering their close relationship with the earth. Both cultures were not respected. To voice their feelings, both groups participate in civil disobedience and peaceful protest. By doing this, both groups are able to have their voices heard without the use of force or violence. Both were oppressed by not only their governments, but by aggressive police force. It’s a very difficult situation, but it’s very sad, in my opinion, to see such rich, beautiful cultures being oppressed instead of celebrated.