Hi All,
No chapter today, though expect one on Friday as usual. Just wanted to give a quick shout-out for Indigenous Peoples' Day. I think this is a great day to share, celebrate, and remember indigenous stories of resistance. While these are not the only indigenous stories out there, and certainly not the only ones worth remembering, I think today is a day in particular to highlight those particular ones to help illuminate the shadow cast over by the archaic and misguided celebration of Christopher Columbus, who massacred, enslaved, and sexually assaulted the Taino people he encountered. Here is my story of choice for today:
During the Spanish conquest of South America, they undoubtedly encountered fierce resistance from the native people. One such group were the Mapuche in present-day Chile. While there are many stories about the Mapuche and their resistance to the conquistadors, one of the most compelling to me is that of Galvarino. Galvarino, like many Mapuche fighting against la conquista, was captured and had his hands cut off as a punishment to discourage further resistance and prevent him from fighting against them. Despite this, Galvarino endured, his resolve only strengthened further. He continued to fight, strapping blades to his wrists that could no longer hold weapons themselves. With no hands to speak of, he and his men caused a devastating blow against the governor Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza's forces at the battle of Millarapue. Sadly, however, he and his men were ultimately defeated by Mendoza, and Galvarino was sentenced to death, torn apart by dogs. His resilience and perseverance despite the suffering he endured is a tale for the ages, and one worth remembering this October 13th.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Thank you for continuing to read my story, and I hope to see you all on Friday.
—J Braden Traw