Embera, Northern in Panama

Introduction / History

The Northern Emberá people are a tribe that lives mainly in the rainforests and river valleys of northwestern Colombia and eastern Panama, especially in the Darién region. Their lifestyle is deeply intertwined with their traditions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Living in the rainforest gives them the chance to collect fruits, nuts, honey, and other foods from the forests. That location also allows them to work in the eco-tourist industry, which earns them a significant income by providing canoe rides, giving cultural performances, and leading rainforest hikes where Emberá guides explain medicinal plants. Others sell handicrafts.Those who live away from the forests can be farmers who grow plantains, bananas, maize, rice, yams, avocados, and beans, using slash-and-burn farming techniques.Fishing provides much of their food. Northern Emberas use spears, traditional blowguns, bows and arrows for hunting and fishing.Adults and children paint their bodies with jagua, a black dye that symbolizes strength and repels insects.For recreation, they enjoy storytelling, music, and dance. These feature drums.Shamans play a significant role in healing and spiritual guidance through the use of herbal remedies and chants.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Northern Emberas are Christian, usually Roman Catholic. There is a significant Evangelical movement among them as well.

What Are Their Needs?

They often put their trust in spirit beings rather than the King of kings. They need revival.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to send a powerful revival to Northern Embera homes and churches.Pray for Northern Embera Christians to be filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit.Pray for Northern Embera Christians to excel in love, joy, and peace as they take Christ to others.Pray for them to have patience and kindness as they minister the gospel.

Text Source:   Joshua Project