Curripaco in Brazil

Introduction / History

The Curripaco people, also known as Kurripako or Koripako, are an indigenous group of the Arawakan language family, primarily located in the Guainía and Vaupés departments of southeastern Colombia. Their language, Curripaco (KPC), is closely related to Baniwa and is spoken in Colombia, with additional speakers in Venezuela, and Brazil.

Historically, the Curripaco have inhabited the transitional forest region between the Amazon and Orinoquía, living along rivers such as the Isana, Inírida, and Vaupés. Their settlements typically consist of mud houses with palm roofs, housing extended families that form the core of their social and economic life.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Curripaco communities in Brazil rely on a subsistence economy based on agriculture, fishing, and hunting. Their diet includes foods sourced from gardens, rivers, and forests, and they maintain ancestral food preparation practices that contribute to community health and cohesion.

Social organization is patrilineal and exogamous, with communities structured around clan-based units. Leadership is typically held by a Capitán, who often serves as both a political and spiritual leader. Communal meals and religious gatherings are central to daily life, reinforcing social bonds and shared responsibilities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Curripaco practice a blend of folk Catholicism and Evangelical Christianity. Their spiritual worldview includes animistic elements, such as clan heroes and mythological figures like the "sons of the tapir" and "grandchildren of the Pleiades," which reflect their traditional cosmology.

Religious life is deeply integrated into community structure. Evangelical churches and Bible translations, including the JESUS Film and gospel recordings, are available in Curripaco, supporting spiritual growth and outreach.

What Are Their Needs?

Cultural and linguistic preservation is essential. Although Curripaco is still spoken widely, it is not formally taught in schools, and digital support for the language remains minimal. Access to culturally relevant education is limited. Efforts to develop ethno-education curricula have faced challenges in aligning indigenous values with national standards, creating tension between tradition and formal schooling.

Healthcare and nutritional support are needed. While traditional food practices have helped maintain health, external pressures and environmental changes threaten food security and overall well-being.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual renewal and deep discipleship among Curripaco Christians, that their faith may be rooted in Scripture and cultural understanding.
Ask God to raise up indigenous leaders and missionaries who can share the gospel in ways that resonate with Curripaco traditions and language.
Intercede for unity and healing in communities affected by displacement, cultural erosion, and external pressures.
Pray for revival in churches, that they may become centers of hope, education, and transformation.
Lift up efforts to translate and teach Scripture in Curripaco, that God's word may be accessible and transformative.

Text Source:   Joshua Project