Apiaka in Brazil

Introduction / History

The Apiaka are an indigenous tribe in the Amazon basin. In the past, they made war on the neighboring tribes, but during the latter part of the 19th century they began to come into contact with outsiders. The government tax collectors and the rubber barons pacified them and nearly wiped them out. Epidemics also reduced their numbers. Their language was lost and they now speak Portuguese. Many of them have intermarried with people from neighboring tribes. They have basically lost their ethnic identity. Several ethnologists and organizations have declared them extinct as a people.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are few Apiaka villages left. People in their villages live a subsistence culture. They use slash and burn farming techniques to grow tubers and vegetables. Men hunt and fish.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Apiaka believe in a supreme being and various spirits. They no longer have any shamans, so they must go to neighboring tribes for shaman services. They believe that the soul can become disconnected from the body and that it is possible for humans to turn into animals. The Catholics have done some work among them.

What Are Their Needs?

They need to be protected against outsiders who would exploit them and destroy their lands. They need protection against disease. They need help (training, education) in how to deal with the “civilized world.” It is difficult to have a healthy sense of self dignity as a member of a when one’s group that is vanishing and has lost its language.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will continue working among the Apiaka and neighboring tribes.
Pray that they will be spared further exploitation.
Pray that God will raise up faithful intercessors for this nearly forgotten people.
Pray that they will experience a movement toward Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project