Foundation
Welcome
In the extreme south of Chile, the Kawésqar have populated a vast archipelagic territory for millennia as skilled nomadic sea canoeists. Their way of life, particularly unique in the world, continued until the mid-20th century, when it was transformed by Chilean colonization. Today it refuses to disappear, among the families where the culture and the material and immaterial heritage live on.
Years of history in the extreme south of what is now Chile
+6.000
They were recognized in Chile as one of the Indigenous Peoples
1993
Inhabitants of Chilean Patagonia make up the indigenous people
+500
Indigenous communities are recognized by law 19.253
18
Purpose
"We have created the Pueblo Kawésqar Foundation with the firm purpose of preserving, revitalizing and giving visibility to the culture, language and traditions of our people, in the face of the imminent threat of their disappearance. We are an indigenous organization led by young Kawésqar people committed to rescuing our identity and ancestral legacy. We take on this challenge from within our community, aware of the responsibility that comes with guaranteeing the transmission of our knowledge to future generations. With this foundation, we seek not only to protect our cultural heritage, but also to empower our people to face a future full of life and pride."
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Directory
The Pueblo Kawésqar Foundation is led by siblings Francisco and Pamela González Alvarez, from the Kawésqar Ancón Sin Salida Indigenous Community in Punta Arenas.
Contact: fundacion@pueblokawesqar.cl
Our strategy
as Pueblo Kawésqar Foundation
Managing culture
Initiatives that strengthen the identity of the Pueblo Kawésqar and help build a better society.
Education
Initiatives that promote knowledge of cultural heritage among new generations.
Spreading
Initiatives that help make Kawésqar culture visible and generate positive change in society.
Exchange
Initiatives that connect people, cultures and societies around the world through personal experiences.
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Pueblo Kawésqar
Foundation
Access to written and audiovisual material available on Kawésqar culture
Library
Here you can buy handicrafts, graphic materials, order books or buy souvenirs.
Store
Authentic experiences to visit Chilean Patagonia with the Kawésqar
Origins
Various ways to support the initiatives of the Pueblo Kawésqar Foundation
Collaborate
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
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Organiser
In the summer of 2023, the Kawésqar People Foundation held the first version of the International Meeting with Kawésqar Culture: Ko Aswál in Switzerland. Organised together with the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich and the Embassy of Chile in Switzerland.
Ko Aswál
The next day
"We have called this event Ko Aswál - The Next Day, to say that the Kawésqar have already been to Zurich, but this time we are doing it with pride and voluntarily to show our culture to the world. It is very important to remember the connection that we have with this city from a not so distant past, which this time welcomed us with respect and affection. We felt that the doors were open to prepare and organise a great event, full of details, activities and instances of reconciliatory dialogue, which will certainly change our history and tradition". Francisco González, President of the Pueblo Kawésqar Foundation.
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INVESTIGADORES
CHILENOS
EN
SUIZA
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Partners
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