Jemez in United States

Introduction / History

The Jemez people, also known as Walatowa ("the place"), are a Pueblo group located in north-central New Mexico. They speak Jemez, a language unique to the Jemez Pueblo and unrelated to other Pueblo languages. Historically, the Jemez once occupied several villages in the Jemez Mountains before Spanish colonization in the 1500s forced them to consolidate for protection and survival.

After enduring warfare, missionization, and disease during the colonial era, the Jemez community preserved its distinct language and traditions through isolation and strong cultural cohesion.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Jemez maintain a close-knit, community-oriented lifestyle centered around traditional governance, family life, and cultural preservation. Many families continue agricultural practices such as growing corn, beans, and squash, while others work in education, healthcare, tribal administration, or nearby cities.

The Pueblo tribes are known for their skilled potters, traditional dances, and annual festivals that blend cultural and social life. Efforts to preserve the Jemez language and pass it to younger generations are a major focus, as is protecting ancestral lands and natural resources.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Jemez follow a traditional belief system rooted in Pueblo cosmology, which emphasizes harmony with nature, respect for ancestral spirits, and seasonal ceremonies tied to the agricultural calendar. Ceremonial life remains central to community identity, led by spiritual leaders and clan societies.

While Catholicism was introduced during the Spanish mission period, it has largely been incorporated in a way that complements rather than replaces traditional beliefs. Religious expression among the Jemez is often private and deeply intertwined with cultural customs and community events.

What Are Their Needs?

The Jemez people need continued support for cultural and linguistic revitalization to ensure the Towa language remains vibrant among the youth. They also need sustainable economic opportunities that respect tribal sovereignty and traditional values. Access to quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure are ongoing challenges, especially in rural Pueblo areas.

Spiritually, the Jemez need to encounter the life-transforming message of Christ in ways that honor their cultural identity and encourage meaningful dialogue with followers of Jesus who respect their heritage.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Jemez people will experience the love and truth of Christ through relationships with believers who approach them with humility and respect.
Pray for an accurate and complete translation of the Bible.
Pray for the production of discipleship and outreach material in the Jemez heart language and for the distribution among the Jemez people.
Pray that the Jemez Christians would wholeheartedly embrace the Great Commission, preach the gospel, and make disciples of the own people and beyond.
Pray for indigenous Christian leaders to raise up to faithfully lead their communities for God's glory.
Pray for the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the Jemez people, that they'd turn from false religion and surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith.

Text Source:   Joshua Project