Eskimo, Saint Lawrence Island in United States

Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Eskimos probably arrived in their current homeland thousands of years ago. When the Russian Empire sold Alaska to the United States in the 1867, there were indigenous peoples who were now living on either side of an international border. The Eskimos, also known as the Yupiks, share the same language today just as they did in the 19th century. In the US they are known as the "St. Lawrence Island Eskimos," and in Russia they are known as "Siberian Eskimos." There are ethnically related tribes that live in northern Canada and Greenland, but they have different languages, and they are known as Inuits.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Eskimo people depend on hunting wild game and fishing in their arctic homeland. There are others who are involved with the oil industry of Barrow, on the northern tip of Alaska.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally these people worshipped various spiritual forces that they believed could benefit them. They called upon shamans to interface with the spirits. Many today are Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

Siberian Eskimos need the chance to earn a living in something more sustainable than fishing and hunting. They probably need opportunities to earn a living outside their frozen homeland.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Siberian Eskimos will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for those who follow Christ to go to others with the gospel. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among them to begin this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project