Weenhayek, Wichi Lhames Nocten in Bolivia

Introduction / History

The Weenhayek people, formerly known as Mataco, are an indigenous group of the Gran Chaco region, inhabiting areas along the Pilcomayo River in northern Argentina and southern Bolivia. The name "Weenhayek" means "the different people," reflecting their distinct cultural identity.

Their language, Weenhayek (also called Wichí Lhamtés Nocten), belongs to the Mataco-Guaycurú language family. It is an agglutinative language and is written using the Latin script. Although the language is officially recognized in Bolivia and Argentina, it is endangered, with only around 3,000 speakers remaining. Spanish is increasingly dominant, especially among younger generations, due to formal education being conducted in Spanish.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally, the Weenhayek were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. Today, many live in rural communities in the Chaco region, where they face challenges such as poverty, land dispossession, and environmental degradation. Their traditional homes are built using local materials and reflect cultural values, though climate change and modernization have led to deterioration and adaptation efforts.

Cultural transmission remains strong through oral traditions, especially storytelling, which encodes ecological and ethnobotanical knowledge. These stories play a vital role in educating younger generations and preserving cultural identity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Weenhayek traditionally practiced a tribal religion centered on harmony with nature and spiritual beings associated with natural elements. Shamans held significant roles in healing and spiritual guidance.

In 1971, a major Pentecostal revival swept through the Weenhayek communities, leading to widespread conversion. Today, approximately 80–90% of the Weenhayek identify as Christian, with a growing Evangelical presence. Pentecostalism has been indigenized, incorporating traditional cultural expressions such as dance, which was once discouraged by missionaries but is now a central part of worship.

What Are Their Needs?

Preservation of language and cultural identity is crucial. The decline in native language speakers threatens the transmission of traditional knowledge and spiritual practices.

Improved access to education and healthcare is needed. Many Weenhayek communities face systemic exclusion and lack culturally relevant educational resources and adequate medical services.

Protection of ancestral lands and natural resources is essential. The expansion of extractive industries, particularly natural gas, has led to conflicts and environmental degradation, undermining traditional livelihoods and autonomy.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual renewal and deep discipleship among Weenhayek Christians, that their faith may be rooted in biblical truth and cultural understanding.
Ask God to raise up indigenous leaders and missionaries who can share the gospel in ways that resonate with Weenhayek traditions and language.
Pray for revival in churches, that they may become centers of hope, education, and transformation in their communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project