Embera-Chami in Colombia

The Embera-Chami have only been reported in Colombia
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

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.


What Are Their Lives Like?

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.


What Are Their Beliefs?

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.


What Are Their Needs?

The Embera-Chami people need protection from outsiders, especially rebel groups that threaten them from jungle hideouts.


Prayer Points

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.


References

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
PeopleID3 11301
ROP3 Code 101998
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

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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
Spanish
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.


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