One of the subgroups of the Embera is the Chami. Their language is Embera-Chami. However, one of the main differences between the various Embera groups is location. There are five Embera dialects and locations.
Before the Spanish conquest the Embera-Chami people worked communally and did not have a concept of personal property. They were driven into the jungle where they had to adapt to a new climate.
Today the Embera-Chami are vulnerable to armed rebels who live in the jungles of Colombia. The Embera-Chami are vulnerable to those who want to use their land to harvest rubber, minerals, etc.
They cook either with an open fire or with a propane stove. The Embera-Chami diet is rich in plantains and fish. They also eat tropical and citrus fruits. Their homes are usually made from natural materials, but sometimes they have a cement foundation and tin roofs.
They love crafts, especially those involving weaving and bead work. Much of their work carries symbolic meaning, especially with the colors they chose. Women wear an okama necklace that tells her life story. Girls receive their first okama necklace when they have their first period. Their bracelets and earrings include amulets intended to protect them and bring good luck. There have been issues of female genital mutilation (FGM) among some Embera groups. These situations are usually done in secret, but sometimes they become well-known. The Embera are the only people in Latin America who practice FGM.
Almost half of the Embera-Chami people are Roman Catholic, but the other half are committed to their traditional religion. Even those who are Roman Catholic usually practice their old religion on occasion.
The Embera-Chami people need protection from outsiders, especially rebel groups that threaten them from jungle hideouts.
Pray for the Lord’s protect for the Embera-Chami people.
Pray for justice and mercy for these vulnerable people.
Pray for the Lord to raise up Embera-Chami Christian believers to disciple others in the ways of Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Embera-Chami in Colombia.
https://www.yumajai.com/blogs/journal/who-are-they-the-embera-people
https://minorityrights.org/minorities/embera/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ember%C3%A1_people
https://garlandmag.com/article/the-beadworks-of-the-embera-chami-tribe-of-colombia/
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Embera-Chami |
People Name in Country | Embera-Chami |
Alternate Names | Embera Katio |
Population this Country | 6,100 |
Population all Countries | 6,100 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 2 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 11301 |
ROP3 Code | 101998 |
ROP25 Code | 301659 |
ROP25 Name | Chami |
Country | Colombia | ||
Region | America, Latin | ||
Continent | South America | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | 34 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||
Location in Country | Antioquia, Caldas, Chocó, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca departments; includes Caramanta municipality. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Colombia |
Region | America, Latin |
Continent | South America |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 34 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Location in Country | Antioquia, Caldas, Chocó, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca departments; includes Caramanta municipality.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 1.50 %) |
45.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
55.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Embera-Chami | |||
Language Code | cmi Ethnologue Listing | |||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||
Total Languages | 2 | |||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Embera-Chami |
Language Code | cmi Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 2 |
Secondary Languages | |
Spanish | |
People Groups | Speaking Embera-Chami |
Primary Language: Embera-Chami
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1989-1994) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (2021) |
Bible-Complete | No |
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
General | Scripture Earth Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Android Bible app: Embera-Chami | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app: Embera-Chami | YouVersion Bibles |
Text / Printed Matter | Children and youth resources | One Hope |
Photo Source | Copyrighted © 2024 International Mission Board-SBC - Brian Massey All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |