Introduction / History

The Juruna, who call themselves Yudjá, are a people from the Xingu River region in Brazil. They were once one of the most significant tribes in the area, but they were profoundly impacted by colonial invasions and the rubber boom. Many were killed or forced to leave their land. In the 20th century, their population dropped to fewer than 40 people, but they have been slowly rebuilding since then.

The name "Juruna" means "black mouth," probably because of ancient facial tattoos. However, their real name is Yudjá, which means "the owners of the Xingu River." The Juruna live very connected to the Xingu River.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are skilled canoeists and fishers, using many different techniques and deep knowledge of the river’s environment. Fishing is their main way of getting food.

They live in small villages, organized by family groups, each led by a leader. The families share some activities, such as cooking and making cauim, a traditional fermented drink made from manioc.

Over time, they have adopted some parts of non-Indigenous culture, such as speaking Portuguese, wearing modern clothes, using cell phones, and using gas stoves. Still, they keep their own cultural traditions, such as festivals, family structures based on marriage between cousins, and a strong connection to their ancestral land.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They believe in a universe with several levels (the earth and three skies), which human actions have already damaged. In their stories, there are divine punishments for the destruction of Indigenous peoples. Since the 1980s, they have had no traditional shamans, but they still keep some spiritual and social rituals that represent life, death, and community.

What Are Their Needs?

The construction of a dam threatens their way of life because it alters the flow of the Xingu River, which they consider essential for their survival and cultural identity. They need to understand that they will never get this kind of thing from a river, but from a living God.

Prayer Items

Pray for missionaries to come and share about their identity in Christ.
Pray for open hearts to receive God’s word.
Pray that they will trust God as their source of life.

Scripture Prayers for the Juruna in Brazil.

References

https://pib.socioambiental.org/pt/Povo:Yudj%C3%A1/Juruna
https://www.cantosdafloresta.com.br/povos/yudja/
https://portalamazonia.com/amazonia-de-a-a-z/yudja-juruna/