 Traditional dance of Rapa Nui people | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 9,399[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Chile (particularly Easter Island) | |
| Languages | |
| Rapa Nui, Chilean Spanish | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Rapa Nui mythology | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Oparoan, Tahitian |
The Rapa Nui (Rapa Nui: [ˈɾapa ˈnu.i], Spanish: [ˈrapa ˈnu.i]) are the indigenous Polynesian peoples of Easter Island. The easternmost Polynesian culture, the descendants of the original people of Easter Island make up about 60% of the current Easter Island population and have a significant portion of their population residing in mainland Chile. They speak both the traditional Rapa Nui language and the primary language of Chile, Spanish.[2] At the 2017 census there were 7,750 island inhabitants—almost all living in the village of Hanga Roa on the sheltered west coast.
As of 2011, Rapa Nui's main source of income derived from tourism, which focuses on the giant sculptures called moai.
Over the past decade, Rapa Nui activists have been fighting for self-determination and sovereignty over their lands.[3][clarification needed] Protests in 2010 and 2011 by the indigenous Rapa Nui on Easter Island, objecting to the creation of a marine park and reserve,[4] have led to clashes with Chilean police.[5][6]
- ^ "Síntesis de Resultados Censo 2017" (PDF). Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas, Santiago de Chile. p. 16.
- ^ "Currently Governor". Gobernación Provincial Isla de Pascua (in Spanish).
- ^ "The Situation of the Indigenous People of Rapa Nui and International Law: Reflections on Indigenous Peoples and the Ethics of Remediation". Santa Clara Law Digital Commons.
- ^ "Marine park divides Easter Island's indigenous Rapa Nui". Al Jazeera.
- ^ "Rapanui: International Community Steps In To Stop Violence Against The Rapa Nui Nation". Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources. February 8, 2011. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013.
- ^ Reiny, Samson Kaala (December 23, 2010). "L.A. rally to draw attention to violent Rapa Nui evictions". The Hawaii Independent. Archived from the original on December 26, 2010.