Fighting for ice and land: Above all they want to silence us

A dispute over land and glaciers has intensified in southern Argentina, where indigenous communities are resisting government policies aimed at expanding access to natural resources. Moira Millán, an Argentine activist affiliated with the Mapuche indigenous group, spoke about this conflict during her recent visit to Iceland as a guest speaker at a university conference. She described how the Argentine government seeks to gain control over the region's lands and resources, often at the expense of the local population.

Millán highlighted that the current president, Javier Milei, is taking more aggressive actions against the rights of indigenous groups than his predecessors. According to her, Milei has significantly increased the government’s support for private companies seeking to exploit the area's natural wealth, which includes water reserves, oil, and gas. This expansion into previously protected areas has raised concerns among environmentalists and indigenous activists who fear irreversible damage to both ecosystems and cultural heritage.

The situation has escalated due to changes in legislation regarding glacier protection. In 2010, laws were enacted to safeguard glaciers and water resources in Argentina, particularly in the Andes mountains where approximately 17,000 glaciers are located. However, under Milei's administration, these protections are being weakened. The government aims to reduce legal restrictions on accessing these areas, thereby increasing opportunities for private enterprises to operate within them. It is believed that valuable gas and oil deposits might lie beneath these glaciers, prompting the push for resource extraction.

Millán recounted that the government has attempted to undermine her efforts through various means throughout the years. One such tactic involves portraying her as a criminal, despite her claim that she has never used violence in her 18-year struggle against the Argentine state. She mentioned having spent three months in prison several years ago due to her activism. Additionally, she has written a book detailing her fight against what she calls "terricide," referring to the destruction of the earth through activities like mining and oil drilling.

During her time in Iceland, Millán was joined by Hólmfríður Garðarsdóttir, a professor of Spanish at the University of Iceland, who discussed the broader implications of Milei's policies towards indigenous populations. Garðarsdóttir noted that Milei's approach goes beyond previous administrations by granting extensive permissions for land use and exploitation, disregarding the general understanding that such areas should remain untouched.

As tensions continue to rise between the Argentine government and indigenous communities, the future remains uncertain. Activists like Millán face ongoing challenges, including threats to their safety and freedom. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that respects both environmental conservation and the rights of indigenous peoples.