The Municipality of Rapa Nui is located in the southeast Pacific. It is an Indigenous territory on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 3,800 kilometers from Chile and 4,000 kilometers from Tahiti. The island covers approximately 16,360 hectares and is home to 36 family clans. Rapa Nui boasts the largest Multiple Use Marine Protected Area in Chile, spanning 728,000 square kilometers.
In 1966, following persistent protests and demands by the Rapa Nui people, the State of Chile recognized them as citizens with rights through the creation of the Department of Easter Island and its Municipality. The Rapa Nui Municipality is part of the official government at the State level and collaborates closely with both traditional and new leaders to address the needs of the Rapa Nui people.
Rapa Nui National Park comprises 40% of the island's territory, including four nearby islets. The park is a testament to an undeniably unique culture, with its most eminent features being the archaeological sites. The island has a high concentration of these sites, with an estimated 900 statues, over 300 ceremonial platforms, and thousands of agricultural, mortuary, housing, productive, and other structures. Many of the sacred and spiritual sites of the Rapa Nui people are located within the park. In 1995, Rapa Nui was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognized for its Exceptional Universal Value. The World Heritage Committee included the park on the list, highlighting the remarkable and unique cultural phenomenon it represents.
The Rapa Nui people are working towards creating their own government with constitutional recognition, which will allow them to effectively exercise their rights to self-determination. Food, a healthy environment, a spiritual connection with the land, and life in society are essential for the Rapa Nui.
September 9, 2024
Indigenous autonomous government reinforces independent protection of its territory while accusing national authorities of neglect.
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August 26, 2024
The Sámiid Riikkasearvi association supports the reindeer herding communities and aims to expand on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
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August 1, 2024
Growing up in and around the forested village of Sungai Utik and learning from the elders, Kynan Tegar continues to tell the stories of resistance in the face of colonization taught to him.
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