Jose Santos

Bolivia the standard-bearer as Latin American natives fight to protect lands, culture. In Ecuador, the Shuar are blocking highways to defend their hunting grounds. In Chile, the Mapuche are occupying ranches to pressure for land, schools and clinics. In Bolivia, a new constitution gives the country's 36 indigenous peoples the right to self-rule.

Bolivia the standard-bearer as Latin American natives fight to protect lands, culture. In Ecuador, the Shuar are blocking highways to defend their hunting grounds. In Chile, the Mapuche are occupying ranches to pressure for land, schools and clinics. In Bolivia, a new constitution gives the country's 36 indigenous peoples the right to self-rule.

Chile's president presses ahead with Indian Affairs ministry _ over indigenous objections. President Michelle Bachelet proposed Tuesday to create a Ministry for Indigenous Affairs to place more weight on policies affecting Chile's Indian communities, many of which are mired in poverty and demanding political autonomy.