Indigenous peoples in Argentina

Native Argentines, also known as Indigenous Argentines, are people in Argentina from one of the 39 groups recognized by the government. In the 2022 census, about 1,306,730 people, or 2.83% of the country's population, said they were Indigenous or had Indigenous ancestors.

Some of the largest groups include the Aonikenk, Kolla, Qom, Wichí, Diaguita, Mocoví, Huarpes, Mapuche, and Guarani. Many more Argentines have at least one Indigenous ancestor. A study from the University of Buenos Aires found that over half of the people they studied had an Indigenous ancestor in one parent’s family line.

The Jujuy Province in the Argentine Northwest has the highest percentage of Indigenous people, followed by Salta and Chubut.

History

Pre-Columbian history

The oldest proof that Indigenous peoples lived in Argentina is from 11,000 BC. This proof was found at the Piedra Museo site in Santa Cruz Province. Another important site, called the Cueva de las Manos, is also in Santa Cruz. It is over 10,000 years old. These places show some of the oldest proof of Indigenous culture in the Americas.

Some Indigenous groups from what is now Bolivia were moved to Argentina by the Inca Empire in the late 1400s. These groups ended up living in areas such as Salta and Jujuy.

Indigenous peoples after European invasion

By the year 1500, many different Indigenous groups lived in what is now Argentina. They were separate communities with their own languages and ways of life. When the Spanish arrived, these groups reacted in different ways.

In the 1800s, many new people from Europe moved to Argentina. This changed the country a lot. During this time, some Indigenous groups were moved from their homes. Later, researchers like Juan Bautista Ambrosetti helped learn more about these groups. In the 1940s and 1950s, President Juan Perón helped show the importance of Indigenous culture. Laws were made to stop unfair treatment of Indigenous peoples. In 1995, a special office was created to help protect them. In 2004, Corrientes Province made the Guaraní language an official language. Indigenous groups were recognized in important ways.

Demographics

Indigenous communities today

As of the 2010 census, about 955,032 people in Argentina, or 2.38% of the country's population, identified as Indigenous or as descendants of Indigenous peoples.

The first national census to ask about Indigenous identity was in 2001. A more detailed survey followed in 2004, organized by the National Institute for Indigenous Affairs (INAI). This survey counted 600,329 people who felt they belonged to Indigenous groups. However, Indigenous groups said the survey had problems. Many Indigenous people live in cities, where the survey did not reach them well. Some Indigenous people also hide their identity because they fear unfair treatment. When the survey began in 2001, it recognized only 18 Indigenous groups, but today INAI recognizes more than 31, showing growing awareness of Indigenous identities.

Many people in Argentina mistakenly think Indigenous peoples have mostly disappeared or fully blended into modern society. Sadly, some use hurtful words to describe Indigenous peoples. Because of these misunderstandings and unfair attitudes, many Indigenous people have kept their identity private to avoid discrimination.

As of 2011, many Indigenous people still faced difficulties in getting fair treatment and land rights. For example, the Qom community struggled to protect their ancestral lands. Leader Félix Díaz spoke about these issues.

The INAI, which reports to the Argentine Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, works to support government policies for Indigenous peoples and keeps track of their communities and land rights. By 2018, INAI recorded 1,653 communities, with 1,456 legally owning land.

Genetic contribution in Argentine society

Genetic studies show that while most Argentines have European roots, many also have Indigenous ancestry. One study found that, on average, Argentinians are about 18% Indigenous, 78% European, and 4% from Africa.

Another study showed big differences across regions. In the North West, like Salta, people are about two-thirds Indigenous. In the North East, such as Misiones, Corrientes, and Formosa, Indigenous ancestry averages around 43%. In the South, such as Río Negro and Neuquén, it's about 40%. In central areas like Buenos Aires, European ancestry is much higher, with Indigenous ancestry around 17%.

More detailed studies across the country found similar patterns. For example, in Patagonia, Indigenous ancestry is about 45%. In the North West, it can be as high as 69%. The Gran Chaco area averages around 38% Indigenous. The Mesopotamian region is about 31% Indigenous, and the Pampa region around 22%.

A study in North Western provinces like Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca showed strong Indigenous roots. For example, people in Jujuy are about 53% Indigenous, while in Tucumán, it's closer to 24%. These differences show how history, disease, and immigration shaped each area's population in unique ways.

Indigenous groups by population

According to the 2010 census, there are several Indigenous groups in Argentina.

According to the 2022 census, there are several Indigenous groups in Argentina.

Indigenous groups by region

Northeast

This region includes the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Formosa, Misiones, Santa Fe, and parts of Santiago del Estero Province. Some of the Indigenous groups here are the Charrúa, Lule, Mbya-Guaraní, Mocoví, Pilagá, Toba, Tonocoté, Vilela, Wichí, and Guaycuru.

Northwest

This region includes the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, San Juan, parts of Santiago del Estero Province, and Tucumán. Indigenous groups here include the Atacama, Avá-Guaraní, Chané, Chorote, Chulupí, Diaguita (including Chicoana), Kolla, Ocloya, Omaguaca, Tapiete, Toba, and Wichí.

Central

This region includes the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the provinces of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, La Pampa, Mendoza, and San Luis. Some of the Indigenous groups here are the Avá Guaraní, Comechingon, Diaguita, Huarpe, Kolla, Querandí, and Rankulche.

South

This region includes the provinces of Chubut, Neuquén, Río Negro, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego. Indigenous groups in this area are the Haush (Manek'enk), Kawésqar (Alacaluf), Mapuche/Pehuenche, Puelche (Gününa küna), Selkʼnam (Ona), Tehuelche (Aónikenk), Teushen, and Yahgan (Yámana).