Katokim in Brazil
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| People Name: | Katokim |
| Country: | Brazil |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 900 |
| World Population: | 900 |
| Primary Language: | Portuguese |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Amazon |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
When the Portuguese colonizers arrived in Brazil they pushed into the interior. There were wars and massacres. The Katokinn moved from Pernambuco State in the 18th century when their village was destroyed. this caused them to move to a semi-arid area, which has frequent droughts. They were given a small area of land, which was not able to support them, so they became tenants, squatters, and subjugated workers. Poverty pushed them to the outskirts of towns as migrated looking for land. They worked as tenant farmers, domestic servants and day laborers.
In 2002 they organized their own indigenous organization under Shaman Arvilino and his daughter known as Nina. They did not want to join other indigenous groups, which they felt were too different. Nina became their leader. The Enchanted revealed the name Katokinn to her in a series of dreams.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Katokinn are tenant farmers and day laborers. They were oppressed economically and culturally. In the early 2000’s they organized and began to work toward recognition by the government. They want community services and development. Shaman Arvilino’s daughter is resurrecting old cultural rituals. She is also leading the community.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The people are animistic (ethnoreligious). The worship ancestral spirits and forces of nature that live near “Great God Tupã.”
One of the most important rituals that they celebrate is Queimada do Murici. This multi-day
festival celebrates the maize, man, casava and women. This ritual takes place the weekend after Easter.
What Are Their Needs?
Their village consists of around 20 families. They need to secure a territorial recognition from the government. This will give them legal status. Their school has only two rooms for all the grades. They need a bigger school with well qualified teachers. Health care is very basic and hospital are far away. During drought or the dry season, they have to ration water.
Prayer Points
Pray for renovation and improvement for their medical clinic.
Pray for workers who will help with development problems as well as spiritual ones.
Pray that this people will be noticed, adopted, and helped by Christian organizations.
Pray that Christian school teachers will move into the village.
Pray that Christian organization will help with water and development needs.