Many are registered as Catholics or Christians but traditional religious influences are strong.

They primarily live by fishing and farming in the swampy lowlands. Their land is at an altitude of less than 100 meters above sea level. The Kanum, Ngkalmpw people can best be accessed by automobile or motorcycle from the Merauke road to their area.

They are reported to have come from the east-beyond the Papua New Guinea border.

The people eat fish, sago, and vegetables. There is a SSB radio in Yanggandur, and a diesel generator that provides some power in the town of Rawa Biru. The Kanum, Ngkalmpw people have no gospel cassettes, films, or videos in their language.

The Kanum, Ngkalmpw people are sometimes known as the Enkelembu, Knwne, or Kenume people. The Kanum, Ngkalmpw people generally use Kanum, Ngkalmpw when talking among family members at home.

Scripture Prayers for the Kanum, Enkelembu in Papua New Guinea.