Abstract

This study reveals the sources of Mapuche knowledge that the Kimeltuchefes consider necessary to develop the teaching and learning process of children and young people in Mapuche contexts. The design and analysis is qualitative, based on the constructivist grounded theory. The participants correspond to 36 kimeltuchefes, in-depth interviews were used to collect the information. The results reveal that, nature is a source of knowledge. This is obtained through the use of the senses, but mainly through observation and hearing to understand the phenomena that happen in nature, it is also acquired through spirituality, to understand the phenomena that occur in nature. The mapuzugún is also revealed as a source of knowledge, because it brings together and conveys the language that all the elements and phenomena of the earth. Finally, it becomes evident that some grandparents form a source of knowledge, because they possess wisdom, knowledge and, therefore, capacity and teaching methods to transfer Mapuche knowledge to new generations. It is concluded that nature, Mapuzungun and grandparents, constitute sources of the Mapuche knowledge, to which the Kimeltuchefes turn to form children and young Mapuche.