History

Francisca de Gazmira: The Voice of the Canarian Aborigines

Canarias Historia
Francisca de GazmiraCanarian aboriginesLa Palma

In the history of the Canary Islands, few figures are as emblematic as Francisca de Gazmira, who stood out for her defense of the rights of the Canarian aborigines during the conquest of La Palma. This brave woman became the first political voice of the Canary Islands in the Peninsula, tirelessly fighting for the liberation of her people.

Francisca de Gazmira played a crucial role as a translator and mediator between the aborigines and the conquerors. Despite being captured and enslaved in the house of a Castilian noble, her indomitable spirit remained unbroken. In an unparalleled act of bravery, Francisca traveled to the Courts to formally complain to the Catholic Monarchs about the inhumane treatment of the Palmeran aborigines.

Thanks to her intervention, the Crown ordered the release of the aborigines and their return to the archipelago, marking a milestone in the history of human rights in the Canary Islands[^feccoo-canarias-mujeres-en-la-historia-8-marzo-2022].

Sources

  • Federación de Enseñanza de CCOO Canarias — Islas, Historias: 8 Pequeñas-Grandes Historias de Mujeres Canarias (2022)