Tupinikim in Brazil

People Name:	Tupinikim
Country:	Brazil
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	3,200
World Population:	3,200
Primary Language:	Portuguese
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	50.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.40 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Guarani
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Tupinikim had their first contact with outsiders in the late 1500s when Jesuits began to establish villages for them. A large percentage of them died from smallpox and other outsider diseases. They overcame this setback and continued village life.
In the 20th century the Tupinikim lived in wide open areas surrounded by virgin forests before organized logging began. Their homes had no fences, and they did not recognize private property. Before long outsiders arrived, squeezing the Tupinikim way of life. By the 1960s some Tupinikim were being evicted from their land.
In the early 20th century, Tupinikim was no longer taught to the younger generation. It is almost completely replaced by Portuguese.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tupinikim continue to struggle to maintain their rights and their culture. This is difficult to do once their language is replaced.

What Are Their Beliefs?

About half are Roman Catholic, but most are tied to their traditional shamanistic religion. There is a small Pentecostal or Evangelical presence among them.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tupinikim people need to put Jesus at the center of their spiritual lives so they can experience life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual change in the Tupinikim people that will result in Christ-centered lives.
Pray for Tupinikim Christ followers to disciple others in his ways.
Pray for a Holy Spirit revival in Brazil’s Roman Catholic Church that will draw millions to the only Savior.