Millaray Huichalaf

Millaray Huichalaf is a machi, a spiritual leader of the Mapuche Williche people, and a defender of human rights and territorial rights in southern Chile. For over a decade, she has been involved in the defense of the Pilmaiquén River and the sacred site of Ngen Mapu Kintuante, which is essential for the continuity of the cultural and spiritual practices of the Mapuche Williche communities linked to the territory.

As a machi, her advocacy work is closely linked to her spiritual and community responsibilities. Millaray Huichalaf has worked to protect the river, the territory and the ceremonial sites from the impacts of hydroelectric projects being developed on the Pilmaiquén. She has also promoted the recognition of and respect for the collective rights of the Mapuche Williche people, including their territorial, cultural and spiritual rights.

As a result of her work as a human rights defender, Millaray Huichalaf and other members of the Aylla Rewe of the Ngen Mapu Kintuante have faced criminalisation, threats and acts of harassment in the context of their territorial defence. Her work remains focused on the protection of the Ngen Mapu Kintuante and the Pilmaiquén River, as well as on preserving her people’s spiritual, cultural and community ties to this territory.