Nowadays many scientists analyze the institutionalization of social movements as a sign of political maturity and of advancement toward social democratization. Nevertheless the case of the current Latin American social movements show the complexity of the unfinished processes related to the yearned democratic consolidation. This article examines how much the institutionalization has improved the democratization of the indigenous movement in the Colombian political system. Firstly, this text analyzes the political function of this movement in the promotion of a multicultural and pluriethnic nation at the Constitutional Assembly and in the Constitution of 1991. Secondly, the article contrasts the legal logic behind the implementation of indigenous participation with the dynamics of the native communities. Finally, the internal reflection of this movement is described, after nearly two decades of experience that simultaneously combines the upholding of their struggle with their institutionalization. © Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca.