Indigenous people and public policies: the formulation process of indigenous policy in Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle government (1994-2000)

Abstract

This article inquires on the indigenous policy formulation process in Chile in the Government of Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle (1994-2000), based on multiple streams model (Kingdon, 1995) and social construction and policy design model (Ingram y Schneider, 1997). Such a conclusion is based on data collected through the application and analysis of 22 interviews to key actors involved in those processes as well as the collection and analysis of official documents and media. The article finds the contradictions between the President development agenda and territorial claims from indigenous people, showing the relevance of cultural variables as supportive of public policy formulation. Also describes the interest's collision between different actors to put their interest in public agenda, where the institutional framework created by the Law 19.253 show its weakness to represent the interest of indigenous people in political agenda