Tani, Miami in Papua New Guinea

The Tani, Miami have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Miami Tani is a small language group in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. They are part of a cluster of related peoples shaped by migration, tribal alliances, and occasional conflict, with identity tied closely to land and kinship.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most rely on subsistence farming, growing sweet potatoes, taro, and vegetables, with pigs valued for wealth and ceremonies. Family life is clan-centered, with strong ties between relatives. Community events include bride-price exchanges, feasts, and seasonal celebrations, often marked by shared meals and storytelling.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditional beliefs emphasize spirits, ancestors, and unseen forces influencing daily life. While the vast majority of the Miami Tani claim Christianity, many blend biblical ideas with animistic practices.


What Are Their Needs?

Clear biblical teaching is limited, and deeper discipleship is needed for lasting faith. Access to Scripture in their language would strengthen understanding. Improved healthcare, education, and infrastructure would enhance daily life and stability.


Prayer Items

Pray for gospel clarity and faithful local leaders.
Pray that the Miami Tani Christians will faithfully share the gospel with their people and the regions beyond.
Pray for unity within clans and openness to Christ.
Pray for health services, education, and sustainable resources.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism materials, and discipleship resources in the Maiani language.


Scripture Prayers for the Tani, Miami in Papua New Guinea.


References

Tani of Papua New Guinea (PGID: PG010506) - PeopleGroups.org
Maiani Language (TNH) – Ethnologue


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Tani
People Name in Country Tani, Miami
Alternate Names Miami
Population this Country 5,700
Population all Countries 5,700
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 6  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 15256
ROP3 Code 109825
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Madang province: Bogia district.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Madang province: Bogia district..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

No people group static map currently available. Use the above button to submit a map.




Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
98.00 %
Ethnic Religions
2.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Maiani (5,700 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code tnh
Ethnologue Language Familly Trans-New Guinea
Glottolog Language Family Nuclear Trans New Guinea
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Maiani (5,700 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code tnh
Ethnologue Language Familly Trans-New Guinea
Glottolog Language Family Nuclear Trans New Guinea
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Maiani

Primary Language:  Maiani

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1982-1988)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.