Triqui, Copala in Mexico

Triqui, Copala
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Kerry Olson  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
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People Name: Triqui, Copala
Country: Mexico
10/40 Window: No
Population: 30,000
World Population: 38,800
Primary Language: Triqui, Copala
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 95.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.00 %
Scripture: New Testament
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Mixteco
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Triqui are a cluster of Mexican tribes, one of which is the Copala. Their traditional homeland is in Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. Most have moved north to either Baja California or to the United States to avoid wanton killings by drug cartels. There is a colony of Trique people in Greenfield, California.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some of the Copala Triqui work on farms for nine hour shifts earning six dollars a day. When Copala Triqui people arrived in Baja California, they were not welcomed for two reasons. They didn’t speak Spanish, and they have a reputation for violence. Many of the perpetrators of violence come from one of the Triqui subgroups.

Triqui youths lack the opportunity to make a decent living or to get a good education. Instead, their opportunities involve illegal and destructive drugs. Youth violence in Baja California runs unchecked after a riot which left the only police station burned to the ground. People don’t venture out at night because of drug-using criminals.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Copala Triqui are officially almost entirely Christian. Yet the teachings of the Bible have not affected the younger generation.

What Are Their Needs?

The Copala Triqui need safety and a way to earn an honest living.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to come to the aid of the Copala Triqui people and save them from violence and destruction.

Pray for Copala Triqui disciples who will make more disciples.

Pray for hope to reign in their communities, a hope based on the resurrected savior.

Text Source:   Joshua Project