Post-conciliar Catholic Indigenism in Argentina

A look from the trajectory of Sister Maria Bassa (RSCJ) (1977-1992)

Abstract

The article analyze a space of Christian indigenist sociability - born after the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) - which took the name of "pastoral indigena". It is relevant to recognize processes of political vindication of indigenous peoples and rights, as well as mechanisms for the construction of indigenist state policies. The text studies the personal trajectory of María Bassa (RSCJ, 1924-2016), who dedicated her life to pastoral work with indigenous people and popular sectors. The case is taken as an analytical axis from which to understand the life trajectories that made viable the aboriginal pastoral, as a collective subject. The text also recovers some schemes of significance that have been part of this type of indigenist pastoral action. The research is based on interviews, secondary sources, and various institutional and personal archives.