The origins of the Indigenous press in Chile: the Mapuche case, 1935–1945

Abstract

This article examines the origins of the Indigenous press in Chile and focuses specifically on the Mapuche case between 1935 and 1945, ranging from the first newspaper Juventud Araucana to the final issue of El Heraldo Araucano. It highlights two main conditions that explain the emergence of Mapuche print journalism: the use of writing as a mechanism of collective action since, at least, the 19th century and the generational tensions surrounding political representation within the Mapuche. At the same time, it seeks to name discursive themes and connections among the press, political organizing, and subaltern speech. These research aims are approached through the concepts of counterpublics and intellectual praxis.