Pueblo, Zuni in United States

People Name:	Pueblo, Zuni
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	10,000
World Population:	10,000
Primary Language:	Zuni
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	15.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	North American Indigenous
Affinity Bloc:	North American Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Zuni are one of the larger Pueblo tribes that live in the American southwest. The Pueblos are probably the first people to settle in North America. Archeological evidence tells us they have been in North America for 1300 years. Following a rumor about gold deposits, the Spanish arrived in the Zuni homeland in 1540. Instead of gold, they found turquoise.
The Spanish dominated the Zuni people and forced them to give up their religious practices in favor of Catholicism. In 1680 the Pueblo peoples revolted against the Spaniards and burned a mission. The Spaniards made peace with them for a season.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Zuni have their own language which they easily maintain since 90 percent of them live on the same 700 square mile reservation.
Their leaders are discouraging their people from drinking alcohol because it has held them back. Their unemployment rate is over 60 percent, but those who work often produce pottery and other crafts to sell to tourists. They themselves use Tupperware but sell pottery and carved goods (such as kachina dolls and fetishes) in shops. There are a couple of gas stations and convenience stores, but they are reluctant to develop businesses with outsiders. There is much controversy about starting a casino on the reservation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Zuni can be Catholic, Protestant or Mormon, but most adhere to their traditional religion. They believe that religious practices need to be kept secret so they can remain sacred. Zuni leaders take their youth to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to make an offering to their gods. Their youth learn ceremonial prayers before they are initiated into secret societies. Their religion is very important to them. It is central to maintaining their culture. Some Zuni describe their society as a theocracy with religion at the core of their civilization.

What Are Their Needs?

The Zuni Pueblos need to find good ways to expand their economy so they can lower their unemployment rate.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Zuni Pueblos to find a way to maintain their culture but give Jesus his rightful place as King of kings in their hearts.
Pray for a desire for spiritual truth that will lead them to the cross and the empty grave.
Pray for the Zuni Pueblo people to find hope in the only savior, transforming them into the nation God wants them to be.