The Kumiai were one of the first people groups to inhabit northern Baja California. Their history prior to colonization has been preserved through oral tradition. They were nomadic hunter-gatherers, living in temporary brush huts and traveling from the mountains to the desert. Those who were not placed in Spanish missions and reservations continued this lifestyle. Unfortunately, the border created after the Mexican-American War split many Kumiai families by dividing their territory. Most Kumiai now live at the border of Baja California in Mexico and the United States’ state of California.
Today, Kumiai life is a combination of modern developments and traditional practices. Elders have preserved the original Kumeyaay language, but younger generations do not speak it. Basket weaving has provided a source of income. Gourds continue to be grown and used in sacred ceremonies as rattles. These ceremonies, such as the Eagle and War dances, demonstrate the centrality of song and dance to Kumiai culture.
Kumiai heritage includes extensive mythology, but Christianity is currently the majority religion. Astronomy and cosmology are a significant part of Kumiai history, shaping their spiritual beliefs prior to European influence.
The Kumiai need to put Christ first in their lives.
Pray for revival among the Kumiai people, leading to reception of the truth. Pray for spiritual hunger, discernment, and protection. Pray there would soon come a day when the Kumiai would send loving workers to the unreached people groups they have access to. Pray for unity among believers, and the transformation of their minds through the hearing and acceptance of the Word. Ask the Lord of the harvest to thrust out workers into His harvest. Ask Him for multiplication of disciples among the Kumiai.
Scripture Prayers for the Kumiai in Mexico.
https://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajastoryteller/kumiai
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumeyaay#:~:text=The%20Kumeyaay%2C%20also%20known%20as,California%20in%20the%20United%20States.
https://wilderutopia.com/traditions/kumeyaay-people-traditi
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Kumiai |
People Name in Country | Kumiai |
Pronunciation | KOO-mee-ahy |
Alternate Names | Diegueno; Digueno; Tipai |
Population this Country | 300 |
Population all Countries | 400 |
Total Countries | 2 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 3 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 5 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 11556 |
ROP3 Code | 102602 |
ROP25 Code | 304372 |
ROP25 Name | Kumiai |
Country | Mexico | ||
Region | America, Latin | ||
Continent | North America | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | 38 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||
Location in Country | Baja California state: Cañon de los Encinos, Ja’áa, La Huerta de los Indios, Rancho Nejí, San Antonio Nécua, and San José de la Zorra; mountains southeast of Tecate, 60 km east of Ensenada. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Mexico |
Region | America, Latin |
Continent | North America |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 38 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Location in Country | Baja California state: Cañon de los Encinos, Ja’áa, La Huerta de los Indios, Rancho Nejí, San Antonio Nécua, and San José de la Zorra; mountains southeast of Tecate, 60 km east of Ensenada.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Christianity |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 2.00 %) |
80.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
15.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
5.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Kumiai | |||
Language Code | dih Ethnologue Listing | |||
Language Written | Unknown | |||
Total Languages | 2 | |||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Kumiai |
Language Code | dih Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 2 |
Secondary Languages | |
Spanish | |
People Groups | Speaking Kumiai |
Primary Language: Kumiai
Bible Translation Status: Unspecified
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Photo Source | Rebecca Schultz |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |