Ocaina in Colombia

The Ocaina people live in both Colombia and Peru along the Cahuinari, Carapaná and Igara Paraná rivers. The Ocaina are indigenous to Colombia, but many were brought to Peru during the early 20th century rubber boom. They are a small group of only 200 people in Colombia and 200 in Peru.

Originally, the Ocaina organized in clans named after various animals. Modern organization is patrilineal with the father as the head. The father holds political and religious functions, and this responsibility is passed down through the eldest son.

Their houses are built on stilts along the river banks, and they communicate through a creative use of the mango tree. They use the trunk of the tree to make drums that transmit messages between houses. 

Partnership // Move Beyond
  • There is little Christian contact with the Ocaina. Pray God would send missionaries to engage the people there and share with them the message of Christ.
  • Pray for organizations like Wycliffe to provide a Bible in their language.
  • Pray the National Church of Colombia prioritizes planting churches among the unreached indigenous tribes.
  • Pray God provides opportunities and creative ways of reaching the Ocaina.

To get involved, see the LAC Pipeline. Interested in more opportunities? See the Wide Open Missions website.

Joshua HuverOcaina in Colombia