Katukina-Jurua in Brazil

Introduction / History

The Katukina are divided into six clans: Varinawa, Kamanawa, Nainawa, Waninawa, Satanawa, and Numanawa.
These clans are organized by lineage, but there is disagreement among them: some say it is matrilineal (through the mother), while others say it is patrilineal (through the father).

What Are Their Lives Like?

Katukina villages are usually made up of extended families: an older couple, their unmarried children, married sons with their wives, and grandchildren.
After marriage, women usually move close to their husband's family.
They cooperate in daily life activities.
Men focus mainly on hunting and preparing farm fields, while women focus on household work and planting crops.
Although hunting is highly valued, agriculture is the main source of food, with cassava and bananas being staples. They also grow sweet potatoes, yams, papayas, pineapples, sugarcane, and recently rice and corn, some of which they sell.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They follow traditional shamanic practices, respect nature, and keep rituals that involve singing, dancing, and calling on spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

They need protection of their land, better healthcare and education, and support to preserve their language and traditions for future generations.

Prayer Points

Pray that the leaders will be reached by Christ and will be able to share the gospel with their families.
Pray that they will learn to look only to Christ as their source of life.
Pray for bold and courageous missionaries who will take on the mission of raising mature disciples there.

Text Source:   Joshua Project