Aborigines in Patagonia
Living Conditions
The Mapuche indigenous population is concentrated between the central
zone and the pre-Andean range in the Provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro
and Chubut
Their standard of living is lower than the average in other Patagonian zones,
since the ecological characteristics and limited resources convert it into a marginal
area. This is directly reflected in the basic social infrastructure for
the welfare of the population. There are a few schools, lodges and hospitals;
recreation possibilities are practically nonexistent. The general assistance
is channeled through the municipalities, as the water supply and electricity,
transportation and communications. At present, there is an effort to
revert this situation. Schools have been inaugurated and now 75% of all areas
occupied by indigenous groups have primary schools with a free lunch service.
On the other hand, there are special lodgings to house children from distant rural
areas. Teachers are involved in house visits to encourage school attendance
or the stay at the lodges for the majority of the children, what would likely
improve the illiteracy and drop-out rates. It is estimated that
38% of adults are illiterate and almost 70% have not completed primary school.
The standard of living is low in the urban areas but drops in rural areas
and even more in indigenous communities or reserves. The access to these
places is generally difficult in winter, and on some occasions they
remain isolated for months, due to the lack of transportation and the use of the
horse as the most common means of mobility. The population is quite
dispersed. The rural areas are distributed in a star pattern and communications
take place with the urban centers and not among themselves, since trade and purchase
of subsistence goods are done there. They buy the goods from peddlers,
since some communities do not have stores. There is no cultural, social
or recreational equipment and job opportunities are nonexistent.
The only economic activity is the sheep and goat raising, and vegetable gardens
for familiar consumption when the natural water sources allow it, which is infrequent. Most
of the communities are scattered and access becomes difficult; however, the CuilaCuina
community in the Province of Neuquén, can be visited,
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