Kanoe in Brazil

Kanoe
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People Name: Kanoe
Country: Brazil
10/40 Window: No
Population: 300
World Population: 300
Primary Language: Portuguese
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 60.00 %
Evangelicals: 10.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South American Indigenous
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kanoe people are scattered across southern Rondônia, Brazil, near the Bolivian border. They're divided into two main groups: one along the Guaporé River and another in the Rio Omerê. Their history is marked by tragedy and a reduction in their population due to violent contact with colonists, particularly during the rubber boom, when massacres devastated many communities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, they endure poor living conditions and a lack of opportunities, yet the Kanoes are gentle and welcoming with visitors. The Omere subgroup is known for their careful perfectionism, seen in their material culture and in the upkeep of the village.To start their gardens, a plot of land is carefully cleared, burned, de-stumped, and weeded. The crops are organized into specific sections: sugarcane here, cassava there, peanuts over there. Kanoes raise chickens and peccaries, and they plant cassava, sugarcane, corn, yams, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and tobacco. They also grow bananas, papayas, and pineapple. They give the same detailed care to raising livestock.Kanoe villages are made up of several round houses with thatched roofs, which look like beehives. These houses are built in a circle around a central yard.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There’s limited information on the Kanoe’s spiritual beliefs. What is known emphasizes their strong ancestral traditions and rituals. Some say they make use of substances in rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

They need support from the government to protect their territories and prevent further encroachment by outsiders.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Kanoe people may come to truly know Jesus.Pray for passionate missionaries who will earn their trust and share the good news, highlighting that Jesus is the one true way, the truth, and the life.Pray for the Holy Spirit to revive them, leading many to take the name of Christ to other indigenous people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project