Provincial legislator Angélica Castillo was proposed by the Frente Jujuy Crece bloc to preside over the Indigenous Peoples Commission in the Jujuy Legislature, according to an April 9 announcement. Castillo, who is from the Lipán indigenous community in Salinas Grandes, said that leading the commission is “a great challenge with much commitment” and emphasized that, due to the number of communities in Jujuy, “it will be hard work that must be addressed with much responsibility.”
Castillo previously served as municipal commissioner of El Moreno and has remained engaged with indigenous issues during her first two years as a legislator. She said one of her first actions will be to bring legislators directly into communities: “One of the first actions that we will implement is to go into territory, bring the Legislature to each of the communities or indigenous peoples so that legislators know firsthand their needs,” she said.
The commission’s leadership includes Noemí Isasmendi (PJ) as vice president and Noelia Quispe (FJC) as secretary. Other members are Miriam Burgos, Patricia Ríos, Kevin Ballesty, Mario Lobo, Horacio Nallar, Verónica Valente, Natalia Morales and Emiliano Vera Robinson. Regarding Quispe’s role on the team Castillo said: “She is a person very connected with communities; together we have attended several meetings with them. I am sure we will do hard work together along with all members.”
Although no projects were sent to this commission during its second ordinary session, Castillo stated they are preparing an agenda including a request for updated information from the Secretariat of Indigenous Peoples about how many recognized or unrecognized indigenous communities exist in Jujuy.
Castillo also announced plans to invite Yolanda Cruz to speak before lawmakers about current social policies affecting indigenous peoples: “I know about her great work and from this Commission we will support her objectives so she can have more presence in territories—which is our main focus.” She concluded by affirming that presidents or representatives from local communities would always be received by the commission—even if official leaders cannot attend—as long as there is proper documentation.
