The following article discusses the recent winner of the Goldman prize, Mapuche leader Alberto Curamil, as a case in the struggle for cultural sustainability in the Region of La Araucanía, mainly in his role as an activist in the defense of Mapuche territory and culture. This important international environmental award was conferred on Curamil for uniting Chileans in preventing the construction of two hydroelectric projects and protecting a river sacred to the Mapuche people, overcoming violent persecution and attacks against him in this activity. This makes it possible to problematize different aspects of cultural sustainability that are key in the region, in particular the issue that arises between the progress of industry and the ancestrality of indigenous peoples. Thus, it is interesting to discuss from this case how these two views can be harmonized in order to achieve cultural sustainability, bearing in mind the intercultural nature of the IX Region. Finally, this communication seeks to analyze the role of the Chilean State and its actions concerning the practices of cultural sustainability like those led by Curamil.