Introduction / History

The Tariano people live along the Uaupés River near the Colombian-Brazil border. Most live in Brazil, but some are in Colombia.
The Tariano have a long history of contact with missionaries. Franciscan missionaries brought smallpox and measles in the 1700s, and most Tariano died from these introduced diseases. Soon after they were put in slave-like situations by traders. In the early decades of the 20th century some Tariano were put in mission stations that included ranches and plantations. Indigenous peoples were not given the sacraments unless they renounced their traditional ceremonial objects and moved into group homes. Some moved to Colombia to work in rubber plantations until they closed down in the late 1960s. In 1988 they were told that if they agreed that they were “acculturated” they would be declared a “colony” and given economic, medical and educational privileges. Not all Tariano villages agreed. Some suspected the new arrangement would allow loggers and miners to invade their homeland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Starting in the 1990s, the Tariano have wanted more autonomy. They now have 11 million acres of land.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tariano have been approached by Franciscan and other missionaries for hundreds of years. They are about half Christian, but keeping old traditions helps this group to identify as Tariano.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tariano people need the autonomy to make their own decisions based on what is best for them.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide justice and mercy for the Tariano people.
Pray for Tariano disciples to make disciples of others.
May they seek and find the only savior and be satisfied by his lovingkindness and mercy.

Scripture Prayers for the Tariano in Colombia.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariana_people
https://pib.socioambiental.org/en/Povo:Tariana