January 6 and 7 are key dates for the Mapuche people. They recall two historic agreements that formally recognized their territory, their autonomy, and their right to decide their own future.
January 6, 1641: The Treaty of Killen
On January 6, 1641, the Mapuche Nation and the Spanish Crown signed the Treaty of Killen. Following over a century of conflict, this agreement established the Biobío River as a frontier and recognized that the Mapuche territory south of this river did not belong to the Spanish Empire. It was an official recognition of Mapuche independence.
This status was confirmed in 1643 by a Spanish royal decree, aimed at establishing a lasting peace with the peoples of the Wallmapu—the historic Mapuche territory extending across both sides of the Andes.
Legacy and the Treaty of Tapihue
When Chile and Argentina became independent in 1810, they inherited existing borders, meaning the recognized frontier with the Mapuche territory had to be respected. Chilean leaders, such as Bernardo O’Higgins, publicly affirmed their desire to recognize Mapuche independence.
On January 7, 1825, the Treaty of Tapihue was signed between Mapuche authorities and the Republic of Chile. It reaffirmed the 1641 border, proving that the Mapuche people were still recognized as autonomous political actors in the 19th century.
The Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia
In 1860, the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia was founded with the agreement of the Mapuche authorities gathered in parliament (Koyang), under the authority of Toki Mañil and with the support of Antoine de Tounens. A French jurist, he became the founding Monarch of a State then considered independent by its neighbors.
Antoine de Tounens placed the Kingdom under the principles of law, peace, and international recognition, seeking to defend the Wallmapu against the pressures of neighboring states.
A Mission Continued by Prince Antoine V
Since then, the Kingdom has supported the defense of Mapuche rights, territory, and culture through peaceful and legal means.
Today, this mission continues under the reign of the current Sovereign, Prince Antoine V, and through the NGO Ordre de l’Étoile du Sud (Order of the Southern Star). This work is pursued in a spirit of dialogue and respect for international law.
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