COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND CRISIS LEADERSHIP: LESSONS FROM MAPUCHE COMMUNITIES IN CHILE

Abstract

Community resilience and effective leadership are crucial for navigating crises, especially in culturally rich and indigenous communities. This paper explores the intersection of community resilience and crisis leadership through a case study of Mapuche communities in Chile. It examines how Mapuche leaders have historically managed crises, drawing on cultural traditions, social structures, and indigenous knowledge to sustain their communities. The study highlights the role of traditional leadership structures, collective action, and deep-rooted cultural values in enhancing resilience during periods of social, political, and environmental upheaval. By analyzing community-driven responses to challenges such as land disputes, natural disasters, and political marginalization, the paper illustrates how Mapuche leadership strategies prioritize collaboration, solidarity, and sustainability. The findings emphasize the significance of indigenous leadership models in fostering resilience and offer valuable lessons for broader applications in crisis management. The paper argues that integrating these culturally relevant approaches into modern crisis leadership frameworks can enhance community resilience, particularly in marginalized or indigenous contexts. Ultimately, this research advocates for a reimagining of crisis leadership through the lens of indigenous knowledge, proposing that these practices hold key lessons for resilience-building in a globalized world.