Introduction / History

The Ayore are a tribe of the Gran Chaco region of South America. They were nomadic until the 20th century.

They were first contacted by Jesuit missionaries in 1720. After 20 years the mission was abandoned, and the Ayore were left alone till the early 20th century. The Grand Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay brought 100,000 soldiers into the Ayore homeland. Ayore people died in droves, both by diseases and at the hands of soldiers. Paraguayan soldiers were rewarded for killing Ayore people.

Catholic and Protestant missionaries contacted them in the 1940s and 1950s. At this time they were moved to one location and their hunting lands were sold to cattle ranchers. Their land continues to be cleared for ranching, especially in Paraguay. Many Ayore people were forced to move outside their traditional homeland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The ones who remain do all the hunting and gathering. Others are settled farmers who grow corn, beans and squash.

Those who move to urban environments are less fortunate. Men work as day laborers, and women in urban settings are sometimes forced into prostitution. These women are vulnerable to HIV, which they try to hide because of the stigma.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally the Ayore people were shamanists like many of the indigenous peoples around them. Today, over half are Christian, either Roman Catholic or Protestant. New Tribes Mission was very much involved in this process.

What Are Their Needs?

In addition to unmet medical needs, the Ayore people face a bleak future. There are no easy answers regarding how they can earn a living in the years to come. As it stands, their children have inadequate opportunities to get the education they need to participate in an urban economy.

Prayer Points

Pray for Christians to establish schools and universities to help the Ayore people meet future challenges.
Pray for the Lord to meet Ayore needs according to his riches and glory.
Pray for God’s mercy to flow to every Ayore family.

Scripture Prayers for the Ayore in Bolivia.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayoreo
https://www.survivalinternational.org/tribes/ayoreo
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jan/25/paraguay-ayoreo-people-chaco-fighting-back-land-sales