Edawapi, Namie in Papua New Guinea

The Edawapi, Namie have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Namie Edawapi are a small, remote people living in the mountains of East Sepik Province. Traditionally, they have maintained a distinct identity through language, clan structures, and local customs, with limited contact with outsiders until recent decades Ethnologue.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Namie Edawapi work as subsistence gardeners, cultivating sweet potatoes, taro, and vegetables, while hunting and fishing supplement their diet. Families are tightly knit, with multiple generations often living together. Celebrations revolve around planting and harvest seasons, as well as ritual ceremonies marking births, deaths, and initiations. Meals are shared communally, and food preparation is deeply connected to social life.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally, the Namie Edawapi have followed ancestral spirits and local taboos, with beliefs deeply tied to the land and clan. Animistic practices guide everyday decisions and rituals. The vast majority of Namie Edawapi claim Christianity as their religion with a mild to moderate evangelical presence.


What Are Their Needs?

The Namie Edawapi long for hope that transforms family life and community relationships. Access to education and healthcare is limited, making daily survival challenging. There is a strong need for the peace and guidance of Christ to guide their decisions and bring lasting joy and provision.


Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual awakening and openness to Jesus Christ.
Pray for local believers to rise as a mission force and for wisdom in sharing the gospel with cultural sensitivity.
Pray also for improved health, food security, and education opportunities that empower the community.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism resources, and discipleship materials in the Namia language.


Scripture Prayers for the Edawapi, Namie in Papua New Guinea.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Edawapi, Namie
People Name in Country Edawapi, Namie
Alternate Names Namie; Yellow River
Population this Country 11,000
Population all Countries 11,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13937
ROP3 Code 107059
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country East Sepik province: Ameni, Edwaki, Iwane, Lawo, Pabei, Panewai village, and Wiyari areas; Sandaun province: Yellow River district, 19 villages.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country East Sepik province: Ameni, Edwaki, Iwane, Lawo, Pabei, Panewai village, and Wiyari areas; Sandaun province: Yellow River district, 19 villages..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
95.00 %
Ethnic Religions
5.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Namia (11,000 speakers)
Language Code nnm   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Namia (11,000 speakers)
Language Code nnm   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Namia

Primary Language:  Namia

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1988-2009)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.