Introduction / History

The Gaviao do Maranhao are an indigenous people group in Brazil.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They live in a location near a “deforestation corridor” for the Carajás railroad to transport iron ore through their homeland. Some of their tribal leaders have agreed to allow for this, but there is a heavy cost. The trains bring water pollution which kills their fish and drives away the wild game they depend on for food. There will be noise and dust like never before. The railroad has hired a specialized team of anthropologists to interact with the Gaviao to get their feedback regarding how the railroad is affecting their lives. The corridor also opens their land to illegal loggers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most adhere to traditional religion, but a small number are Christians, probably Roman Catholic.

What Are Their Needs?

The Gaviao do Maranhao need protection. They are in a highly vulnerable situation.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to protect the Gaviao do Maranhao people from those who want to use and abuse their homeland.
Pray for the Gaviao peoples to have biblical materials in their local languages.
Pray for Gaviao disciples to make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Gaviao do Maranhao in Brazil.

References

https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/brazil-gavi%C3%A3o-indigenous-people-leaders-refuse-to-grant-vale-permission-to-duplicate-draining-iron-railway-incl-company-comments/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2909366456039902
https://news.mongabay.com/2019/05/resisting-to-exist-indigenous-women-unite-against-brazils-far-right-president/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/17/opinion/amazon-rainforest-brazil-activists-deforestation.html