Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the multiple, creative ways in which urban Mapuche poetry challenges official discourses of neoliberal multiculturalism in contemporary Chile.

Paper long abstract:

Focusing on the life stories, public statements and written works of David Aniñir and Jaime Huenún, this paper explores the multiple, creative ways in which contemporary Mapuche poetry challenges official discourses of nationhood in Chile, most notably neoliberal multiculturalism. It highlights some the dilemmas and problems that Aniñir and Huenún have faced as they engage with and participate in the mainstream literary scene of the capital city, Santiago, but also underlines their achievements. Both urban poets support the Mapuche political movement and its nation-building project, but they do so in different ways, elaborating distinct concepts of identity and resistance.