Arrernte, Eastern in Australia

Arrernte, Eastern
Send Joshua Project a photo
of this people group.
Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
People Name: Arrernte, Eastern
Country: Australia
10/40 Window: No
Population: 3,100
World Population: 3,100
Primary Language: Arrernte, Eastern
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 40.00 %
Evangelicals: 2.00 %
Scripture: New Testament
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Australian Aboriginal
Affinity Bloc: Pacific Islanders
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Eastern Arrernte are an aboriginal people who live in central Australia in the northern territories. Traditionally they were hunters and gatherers who lived in a land that only had the capacity for a small number of people. They had family groups called “bands” that consisted of 15-30 people. Their homeland has many mountains, springs and gorges. A Lutheran missionary and two anthropologists wrote about the Arrernte culture from 1932-74. Arrernte culture involves ground painting and rock engraving.

The closest town to the Eastern Arrernte is Alice Springs which now caters to tourists. The Eastern Arrernte live east of Alice Springs. There are two other Arrernte subgroups.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Eastern Arrernte people work in the tourist industry. Their language is still alive; sometimes it is taught in schools.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Eastern Arrernte believe that when someone dies their spirit goes into a state of watchfulness. Most are now Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

The Eastern Arrernte need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for Eastern Arrernte elders to discover their people’s need for Christ.

Pray for a spiritual revival that will result in them putting all the faith in Jesus.

Pray for abundant rain in the Eastern Arrernte homeland as a blessing from the Lord.

Text Source:   Joshua Project