Emerillon in French Guiana

People Name:	Emerillon
Country:	French Guiana
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	400
World Population:	400
Primary Language:	Teko
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	8.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.60 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South American Indigenous
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Emerillon people were once nomadic. They had their first contact with Europeans in the 1700s. They traded with the Europeans, but also picked up their diseases, and their population declined considerably. Warfare with other tribes also lowered their population.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The staple food of the Emerillon people is manioc. Their food comes from farming manioc, sweet potatoes, yams and bananas. Like their ancestors, the Emerillon men hunt, but now they use rifles rather than bows and arrows.
Emerillon homes are shaped like beehives. People enter via a latter made from wood.
Traditionally they married their cousins, but because of their small numbers, they are becoming more likely to marry outside their tribe. Once they reach puberty, Emerillon people are expected to marry. Both males and females can marry someone far younger or older than themselves.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there is a small Christian presence among the Emerillon, most adhere to their traditional shamanistic religious practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Emerillon are struggling to survive. They need to find ways to adapt to the modern world.

Prayer Points

Pray for adequate medical and educational opportunities for the Emerillon people.
Pray for Emerillon disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a spiritual hunger and a yearning for truth that will lead Emerillon elders to the cross and the empty grave.