Yahgan

The Yahgan, also spelled Yaghan or Yamana, are an indigenous people of the southern tip of South America, traditionally inhabiting Tierra del Fuego and surrounding coastal areas in what are now Chile and Argentina. They are among the Fuegian peoples known for a maritime-oriented hunter-gatherer way of life and for adapting to the harsh temperate environment of the Strait of Magellan and its islands. Historically, Yahgan groups lived in small family units that exploited marine and coastal resources, moving along the coast and islands to harvest food and trade with neighboring peoples.

The Yaghan language, also called Yahgan or Yamana, is spoken by the Yahgan people. It is widely treated as a language isolate and is one of the southernmost languages in the world. The language underwent a rapid decline after European contact, and by the mid- to late-20th century only a few elderly speakers remained. There have been significant linguistic documentation efforts and ongoing revival initiatives, though fluent daily use remains rare.

European contact in the 18th and 19th centuries brought disease, violence, and displacement, contributing to dramatic population declines. The ensuing social disruption, missionization, and assimilation pressures further reduced traditional Yahgan lifeways. In contemporary times, descendants live primarily in Chile and Argentina, where some identify as Yahgan and participate in cultural preservation projects. Linguistic and cultural revival programs, supported by researchers and Indigenous organizations, continue to document and promote Yahgan heritage.