Mapuche Indians Land Dispute NPR's Martin Kaste reports on the growing political clout of Chile's native Mapuche Indians. Although timber companies hold the title to much of the country's valuable forest land, the Mapuche claim it belongs to them. They've occupied and set fire to some of the land. The timber companies remain unsympathetic, but other parts of Chilean society are beginning to consider the Mapuche's views.

Mapuche Indians Land Dispute

August 22, 200012:00 AM ET

Heard on Morning Edition

Mapuche Indians Land Dispute

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NPR's Martin Kaste reports on the growing political clout of Chile's native Mapuche Indians. Although timber companies hold the title to much of the country's valuable forest land, the Mapuche claim it belongs to them. They've occupied and set fire to some of the land. The timber companies remain unsympathetic, but other parts of Chilean society are beginning to consider the Mapuche's views.