Indigenous consultation as an ethno-governmental technology.

Abstract

This article critically analyses the indigenous consultation process in Chile implemented after the ratification of ILO Convention 169 in 2008. Through the analysis of two cases and using an autoethnographic and documentary approach, it discusses how these processes, designed to guarantee the active participation of indigenous communities in decision-making that affects them, operate more as mechanisms for legitimising state policies and business projects, especially in extractive and environmental contexts. This research exposes the challenges and limitations of these processes in Chile, arguing that they fail to adequately comply with international standards of free, prior and informed consent, nor do they respect indigenous ontologies and cultural practices. The article concludes with the urgent need for legislative reforms to strengthen the representation and rights of indigenous communities within the Chilean governmental framework.