Eskimo, Siberian in Russia

People Name:	Eskimo, Siberian
Country:	Russia
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,700
World Population:	5,000
Primary Language:	Yupik, Saint Lawrence Island
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	2.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.80 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Inuit
Affinity Bloc:	North American Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Eskimos probably arrived in their current homeland thousands of years ago. When the Russian Empire sold Alaska to the United States in the 1867, there were indigenous peoples who were now living on either side of an international border. The Eskimos, also known as the Yupiks, share the same language today just as they did in the 19th century. In the US they are known as the "St. Lawrence Island Eskimos," and in Russia they are known as "Siberian Eskimos," and they are closely related to Russia's Chukchi people. There are also ethnically related Eskimo tribes that live in northern Canada and Greenland, but they have different languages, and they are known as Inuits.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Eskimo people depend on hunting wild game and fishing in their arctic homeland.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally these people worshipped various spiritual forces that they believed could benefit them. They called upon shamans to interface with the spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

Siberian Eskimos need the chance to earn a living in something more sustainable than fishing and hunting. They also need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life He offers them in John 10:10.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Siberian Eskimos will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driving by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among them to begin this decade.