We, members of the indigenous community El Avellano, in the upper Biobio would like to let you know about our situation and the problems which have taken place.
 

Since the construction of Pangue Dam, Mr. Enrique Richard has tried to expel us from our land, where we have always lived. Two days ago, we received a second notice of expulsion.

Why is the legal system always on the side of the exploiter? (We don't know how to obtain papers for title to our land) Since 1966 they have been threatening us. If they don't come themselves, they send gunmen.

Why do they want to kick us out? Because they know that if they kick us out, they can kick out the other inhabitants of El Avellano. And why kick us out from our ancestral lands? To construct tourist complexes.

This man has never lived on these lands. How can the legal system be on his side? Perhaps because he has money to buy justice and we poor Pehuenches have no power?

We will defend ourselves to the end, no matter what. We will fight for our lands, which more than just soil is our history, our identity, and our life.

For these reasons, we have come to present to you our problem.

We hope that the authorities will become aware of these problems we face every day and which do not let us live in peace. We hope that things will work out. We thank all the people who help us.

Thank you for listening to us and Mari Chi Weu ( Ten times we will be victorious )
 
 

*Translated by Glenn Switkes, Latin America Campaign Director International Rivers Network