Introduction / History

The Arapaho people speak the Arapaho language, part of the Algonquian language family. Historically, they originated in the Red River Valley region of present-day Manitoba and Minnesota. By the early 18th century, they migrated southward to the Great Plains, settling in areas of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas.

The introduction of horses by French traders transformed their lifestyle from agrarian to nomadic, enabling them to become expert buffalo hunters. The tribe eventually split into Northern and Southern Arapaho groups, with the Northern Arapaho residing on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming and the Southern Arapaho forming part of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes in Oklahoma.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, Arapaho communities blend traditional practices with modern life. Many live on reservations where tribal governance, education, and cultural preservation are central. The Arapaho continue to pass down oral traditions, crafts, and ceremonies, while also engaging in contemporary professions such as education, healthcare, and business. Youth programs, language revitalization efforts, and cultural festivals help maintain tribal identity. Despite these efforts, challenges such as economic hardship, limited access to healthcare, and educational disparities persist.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Arapaho spirituality is deeply rooted in animism and reverence for nature. Their traditional beliefs include creation stories, sacred rituals, and seasonal ceremonies that honor the earth and ancestral spirits. The Sun Dance, known as the Offerings Lodge, remains a central ritual among the Northern Arapaho. Many Arapaho today blend traditional spiritual practices with Christianity, including Catholicism and various Protestant denominations. Spirituality is often considered a private matter, passed down through storytelling and ceremonial participation.

What Are Their Needs?

The Arapaho people need continued support for spiritual renewal and cultural preservation. Many younger members are disconnected from traditional beliefs and language, leading to a loss of overall spiritual identity. There is a need for discipleship and contextualized Christian outreach that acknowledges Arapaho culture while faithfully pointing them to faith in Christ. Healing from historical trauma and strengthening family and community bonds, through Christ, are also vital spiritual needs.

There is a great need for the Scriptures to be carefully translated into the Arapaho language so that God's Word is readily available and distributed among their people. There is also a need for discipleship and evangelism materials in the Arapaho language.

Prayer Items

Pray for the accurate translation of the Bible and discipleship and outreach materials in the Arapaho language.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among the Arapaho people, leading them to true faith in Christ and a deep relationship with God.
Pray that God would raise up indigenous Christian leaders from among the Arapaho people that would shepherd the believers, preach the whole council of God, and make disciples of their people and the world around them.

Scripture Prayers for the Arapaho in United States.

References

Arapaho - World History Encyclopedia
The Spiritual Beliefs and Practices of the Arapaho People
Arapaho Tribe History, Culture & Facts - History Keen
Spirituality | The Arapaho Project - University of Colorado Boulder
Arapaho Tribe History: Culture, And Heritage - NativeTribes.blog