The Embera-Catio de Alto Andagueda are an indigenous people living in the Alto Andagueda region of El Chocó, on Colombia's Pacific coast. They speak Embera-Catio, a member of the Chocoan language family, specifically the Northern Embera branch. The language is also known as Eyabida or Embena, meaning "human," and is written using the Latin script. Despite its oral tradition and cultural significance, literacy among Embera-Catio speakers remains extremely low, with only about 1% of them literate in their native tongue.
Historically, the Embera-Catio have lived in the dense rainforests and river valleys of northwestern Colombia. Their territory has long been contested due to its strategic location and natural resources, particularly gold. The discovery of mines in the 1970s led to increased conflict and displacement, forcing many to migrate to urban centers such as Bogotá and Medellín.
The Embera-Catio of Alto Andagueda live in rural resguardos (indigenous reserves), notably the Tahamí Reserve, which spans over 50,000 hectares. Their communities are semi-nomadic, relying on subsistence agriculture, hunting, fishing, and craft-making. However, decades of armed conflict, displacement, and environmental degradation have severely impacted their traditional way of life.
Many families have been forced to flee their ancestral lands due to violence and the presence of armed groups. In urban areas, they often live in precarious conditions, facing poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education, healthcare, and employment. Despite these challenges, the Embera-Catio maintain strong cultural resilience through oral traditions, artistic expression, and community solidarity.
The Embera-Catio traditionally practice animism, with a spiritual worldview centered on jai, invisible forces that inhabit nature, animals, and people. These forces are believed to be material energies that only shamans (jaibaná) can perceive and control. Shamans play a central role in healing, agriculture, and maintaining spiritual balance within the community.
Christianity has had minimal impact among the Embera-Catio de Alto Andagueda.
Access to basic services such as healthcare, education, clean water, and dignified housing is urgently needed. Many communities suffer from systemic neglect and a lack of government support.
Cultural preservation and language revitalization are essential. The Embera-Catio language is endangered due to displacement and assimilation pressures. Initiatives to document and teach the language to younger generations are critical.
Spiritual engagement and discipleship are lacking. With no known churches or Scripture translations in their language, the Embera-Catio have limited exposure to the gospel. Culturally sensitive outreach and Bible storying in their heart language could open doors for spiritual transformation.
Pray for open hearts among the Embera-Catio to receive the message of Jesus in a way that honors their culture and language.
Ask God to raise up indigenous leaders who will share the gospel in Embera-Catio and disciple new believers.
Intercede for peace and protection in their communities, especially those affected by armed conflict and displacement.
Pray for the translation of Scripture and development of gospel resources in Embera-Catio, so that God's word may be understood and embraced.
Lift up efforts to restore cultural identity and language, that younger generations may reconnect with their heritage and find hope in Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Embera-Catio de Alto Andagueda in Colombia.
Emberá Katío: Historia y Revitalización – Pueblos Indígenas
Éxodo Emberá – Unidad para la Atención y Reparación Integral a las Víctimas
Dachi Chiuu – Centro Nacional de Memoria Histórica
Emberá Religion and Expressive Culture – EveryCulture
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
