Sanio in Papua New Guinea

People Name:	Sanio
Country:	Papua New Guinea
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	2,300
World Population:	2,300
Primary Language:	Saniyo-Hiyewe
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	85.00 %
Evangelicals:	30.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	New Guinea
Affinity Bloc:	Pacific Islanders
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

In 1966 the Saniyo People had their first contact with the outside world by a team of Christian anthropologists, living with them. Ron and Sandy Lewis began living among the people for forty some years, completing the Saniyo New Testament in 2005.

Where Are they Located?

The Saniyo people live in the East Sepik province in Papua New Guinea about 100 miles up river from from the government station of Ambunti. They live along the banks and surrounding area of Wogamous River, south of the Sepik River.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are considered a hunter and gatherer society. Their diet primarily consists of sago, supplemented with jungle greens, coconuts, pineapples and a few vegetables they plant in jungle gardens. The men hunt wild pigs and other animals. The women spend their time processing the sago starch.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditional, their belief is animism and they spend most of their time placating and manipulating the spirits. The spirits of their dead remain in the village area helping the hunters or taking revenge on those people who harmed them during their life. Several churches have entered the area and have had an impact on their lives.

Prayer Points

Pray that the people use their scripture in their daily lives.
Pray that the outside mining company will build their pipeline away from the Saniyo area.
Pray that they will grow spiritually.