The Guajibo people, also known as Guahibo or Hiwi, are an indigenous group native to the Llanos, or savanna plains, of eastern Colombia and southern Venezuela. Their language, Guahibo, belongs to the Guahiboan language family and includes several dialects such as Sikuani, Amorua, and Tigrero. Although many Guajibo now speak Spanish, efforts to preserve their native language continue through written materials like newspapers, dictionaries, and grammar books. Historically, the Guajibo endured centuries of violence and marginalization. From the late 1700s through the 1970s, they were targeted by colonists in both Colombia and Venezuela, with massacres and hunting parties organized to eliminate them. These atrocities were documented in literature and military reports, revealing a long history of persecution.
The Guajibo live in scattered communities across the plains and river regions of Arauca, Meta, Guainía, and Vichada in Colombia, and in the states of Amazonas, Apure, and Bolívar in Venezuela. Their lifestyle is traditionally semi-nomadic, centered around hunting, fishing, and small-scale agriculture. In recent decades, many Guajibo have become more sedentary, integrating into nearby towns and adopting bilingualism. Despite these changes, they continue to maintain strong cultural ties to their ancestral lands and practices. Their communities are often isolated, with limited access to infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
The Guajibo practice a syncretic form of religion that blends Catholicism with traditional animistic beliefs. While many identify as Christian, their faith often includes rituals and spiritual concepts rooted in indigenous cosmology. Animism remains a core aspect of their worldview, with reverence for nature and ancestral spirits playing a significant role in daily life. This fusion of beliefs reflects both the influence of missionary efforts and the resilience of indigenous spirituality.
Access to culturally relevant education is crucial for preserving the Guajibo language and empowering younger generations. Healthcare services are urgently needed, especially in remote areas where preventable diseases and malnutrition are common. Legal recognition and protection of their territories are essential to safeguard their communities from land encroachment, resource exploitation, and displacement.
Pray that the Guajibo people would encounter the gospel in ways that honor their cultural identity and spiritual heritage.
Ask God to raise up indigenous leaders who can share the message of Christ with clarity and compassion.
Pray for Guajibo disciples who will disciple others.
Lift up efforts to translate Scripture and Christian resources into the Guahibo language, and for the Holy Spirit to bring spiritual renewal and peace to their communities.
Scripture Prayers for the Guajibo in Venezuela.
Wikipedia – Guahibo People
PeopleGroups.org – Guajibo
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
