Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Towards Effective Post-Pandemic Policies

Indigenous peoples across Latin America were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst pre-existing social and economic inequalities exacerbated the impact of the pandemic, it was indifferent (or actively malicious) policies enacted by governments and private enterprises that drove much of the destruction that affected Indigenous communities. Tackling knowledge and empathy deficits toward Indigenous communities is necessary for an effective and inclusive pandemic recovery process. This article will assess the impact of the pandemic upon Indigenous peoples across Latin America, identifying the dangerous role of faulty policy before considering strategies that governments and corporate entities might employ to foster constructive, Indigenous-considerate policies in the post-pandemic era.