Ser indio y ciudadano en el norte chileno: Etnicidad y estatus de pertenencia a la comunidad nacional y política.

Abstract

Based on the data obtained from research conducted between 2006 and 2009 on the identity processes of a population ethnically ascribed in the region of Tarapa-câ, Northern Chile. I reflect on questions of ethnicity, nationalityand their links to citizenship. The distinction between ethnic membership, national membership and membership in the political community facilitates understanding of regional realities. As the status of "Indian" is leaving behind its colonial past to become a bridge to social inclusion, the development of critical awareness of the hegemonic state and national monoculture is emerging. The data presented here indicates that ethnicity emerges as a response to the offerings of the State and configures itself, slowly, in a process that demands the same. Nevertheless, ethnic consciousness is expanding and the ethnic identities on the current national political stage are opening the way for a new form of social inclusion.