Based on the multiple streams model of John Kingdon (1995) and the social construction and policy design model of Anne Larason Schneider and Helen Ingram (1997), this article proposes a model to analyze how indigenous policies were formulated in Chile during the government of Patricio Aylwin Azócar (1990-1994), considering the actors involved, their interests and values, and the conflicts among them. Evidence shows that particular features of these processes apply to people of different cultures. This conclusion is based on data collected through interviews with twenty-two key actors involved in those processes as well as analysis of press coverage and official documents. This article identifies, describes, and explains the characteristics that define indigenous policy in the Chilean experience.