Amanda Huichalaf is a lecturer in intercultural education, a human rights defender and a Mapuche Williche community representative associated with the Aylla Rewe of Ngen Mapu Kintuante, in southern Chile. She is involved in defending the Pilmaiquén River and the sacred site of Ngen Mapu Kintuante against the impacts of hydroelectric projects being developed in the area.
Her work involves community coordination, raising awareness of the impacts on the territory and the rights of the Mapuche Williche people, and liaising with civil society organisations and national and international stakeholders. Through this work, Amanda Huichalaf promotes the protection of the communities territorial, cultural and spiritual rights and the defense of their relationship with the Pilmaiquén River and the Ngen Mapu Kintuante.
Amanda Huichalaf carries out this work in a context in which members and traditional authorities of the Aylla Rewe have reported criminalisation, threats, harassment and damage to the sacred site linked to their opposition to the hydroelectric projects on the Pilmaiquén River. Her work seeks to strengthen the community’s defence of the territory and to raise awareness of the demands of the Mapuche Williche people amongst national and international stakeholders.
