Tehuelche, Aoniken in Argentina
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| People Name: | Tehuelche, Aoniken |
| Country: | Argentina |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 31,000 |
| World Population: | 31,000 |
| Primary Language: | Mapudungun |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.40 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South American Indigenous |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Tehuelche people are also called the Aoniken. They live in the southeasternmost part of South America in Patagonia. In the 1800s and 1900s, they adopted horse riding because of the influence of the nearby Mapuche tribe. Their nomadic lifestyle was changed when the Spanish began to settle their land in the 1800s. Spanish colonists brought sheep herding and disease to Patagonia, which devastated the Tehuelche people. Some were brought to Europe to be displayed like exotic zoo animals.
Most speak Spanish, but a few have retained their traditional language, Mapudungun.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Today the Native American population in Argentina is small. The Tehuelche are intermarrying with other tribes in southern Argentina. Some live on reservations.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Tehuelche are officially Roman Catholic. Typically Native American people try to maintain their ancient religions as a tie to their past and their culture.
What Are Their Needs?
The Tehuelche need job training and an opportunity to merge with the general Argentine society. This is not easy since Argentina is a European-centric part of Latin America.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to raise up vibrant Christians to help the Tehuelche youths to learn good job skills.
Pray for the Tehuelche people to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find the only savior, Jesus Christ.
Pray for Tehuelche Christians to disciple others in God s ways.