Relations between indigenous peoples of Latin America and left governments

Abstract

The article reviews key aspects of the “Indian question” in those Latin American countries, where politicians of the modern left wave have recently come to power. It concerns the main issues on the agenda raised by indigenous peoples today, as well as the states’ response to their demands. Historical struggle for ethnic rights constituted a part of the extensive left platform on the continent. However, significant transformation of both, the left and indigenous movements, determine the relevance of the current research question. On the case studies of Bolivia, Colombia and Chile three different scenarios of the interaction between governments and indigenous rights organizations are considered.