The Selk'nam genocide in Tierra del Fuego, which occurred in the late 19th century, saw the near-extermination of the indigenous Selk'nam people due to violence and disease brought by sheep farmers and bounty hunters. This tragic event exemplified the devastating impact of colonial expansion on indigenous populations. The genocide not only erased a unique culture but also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exploitation and the loss of human rights.

The Selk'nam genocide in Tierra del Fuego in 1890 was documented in ethnographic literature, prompting poets like Pablo Neruda to reflect on the loss of indigenous cultures. This tragedy inspired poignant poetry that mourned the extinction of the Fuegian peoples and critiqued colonial violence.