Yari in Colombia

Introduction / History

The Yari people were once numerous. They lived along the River Yari and in the savannah called the

Yari plains, but they have nearly vanished. In the 17th and 18th centuries the Spanish made periodic expeditions into the area and killed many indigenous people. After independence, the Colombians continued sending army units into the Amazon basin to “pacify” the area. In the late 1800s peasant “colonists” began moving in. They founded towns and began to make farms. A small town called Yari sprang up. In the early 20th century people began seeking rubber and petroleum. After World War II, drug dealers brought in marijuana and later coca. These “cokers” set up operations for field processing cocaine. A dirt airstrip called Yari airport was built. It was used to export meat and drugs. They were pushed out by the FARC rebels.

Eventually the FARC made peace with the Colombian government. “The Yari [plains] will be recognized by homeland history as the place where the Farc became a political party assuming a huge historical responsibility.” (El Espectador 3 Sept. 2016) Later the government opened a special reservation for indigenous people in that same general area called “The Yari Yaguara II Plains.” Three tribes from the Colombian Amazon basin are moving into this reservation, but the Yari are not among them.

This brings up the question: Are the Yari people extinct? According to the Organizacion Nacional

Indigena de Colombia, “This people lives in Caquetá, on the Yarí River. Their language has not been classified. It is estimated to have about 800 inhabitants. Very little is known about them.”

What Are Their Lives Like?

Practically nothing is known about these people. There are reports that these people speak

Spanish. This would indicate that they have been or are being assimilated into the Latino

culture of the area. If so, they are probably farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nothing is known about their beliefs. Most indigenous and peasant peoples believe in many

spirits that help or hinder people.

What Are Their Needs?

Nothing specific is known. However, indigenous tribes, small farmers and peasants are

usually exploited by rubber companies, oil companies, drug gangs and guerillas. They need protection.

Prayer Points

Pray for justice and peace for the Yari people of Colombia.
Pray that the people will be able to make a living without growing coca.
Pray that the Lord will send someone to tell the Yari people about Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to send out workers who will help them develop their economy.

Text Source:   Joshua Project