Miwok in United States

Introduction / History

Unlike most other Native American groups that probably came from Siberians who traveled across the Bering Strait, the Miwoks arrived by sea. The ancestors of the Miwok people arrived 3,000 years ago, later than the other peoples.

They were hunters and gatherers who lived in small bands without central political control. Acorns were their staple food, but they also ate grasshoppers, bulbs, edible vegetables and wild game.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Miwok people are so small in number that we know very little about their lives in the 21st century. Most likely they have blended in with other Native American communities or they live like other Americans.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like other nearby Native American peoples, the Miwoks had a creation story. They had totem animals which they regarded as predecessors.

Most are Christian today. Some reject Christianity since it came from those who took their land. Like many who were pressured into becoming Christian, the Chumash reject Christian institutions. They often don’t give the loving savior a chance because of historical injustices coming from “Christians.”

What Are Their Needs?

The Miwok people need a spirituality that centers on Jesus Christ without the trappings of European culture. Christian believers from their people can write worship songs that involve culturally relevant ways to worship.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to raise up some to produce culturally appropriate worship music for the Miwok people.

Pray for the Lord to bless the Miwok people both spiritually and economically.

Pray for Miwok disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project