Archive · 4 Aug 2025
Missionaries Using Tech to Contact Amazon's Isolated Groups
Imagine some people live far away in the Amazon rainforest, choosing to stay away from the rest of the world.
Missionaries, who want to share their religion, are using technology like audio Bibles and even airplanes to reach them.
However, Brazil has a rule against contacting these groups because they can easily get sick from new diseases.
Some people worry that these contacts could hurt the groups' way of life.
The missionaries believe they are helping, but others fear that their actions are a threat to the Indigenous way of life and health.
Missionary groups are using technology to contact isolated Indigenous groups in the Amazon rainforest.
Brazil has banned missionary contact with isolated groups since 1987 to protect them from disease and cultural disruption.
Investigations found solar-powered devices reciting Bible messages in Portuguese and Spanish near the Brazil-Peru border.
Missionary organizations have used seaplanes and drones, despite the ban, to reach and map settlements.
Indigenous organizations warn that outside influence has a 'destructive power' on their culture.
- Who
- Missionary groups, uncontacted Indigenous peoples, Brazilian government, and Indigenous rights activists.
- What
- Missionary groups are using technology to contact isolated Indigenous people in the Amazon despite a Brazilian ban.
- When
- Since 1987, Brazil has banned missionary contact; recent events include activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing investigations.
- Where
- Amazon rainforest, specifically near the Brazil-Peru border in the Javari Valley.
- Why
- To spread religious messages and possibly map settlements, despite concerns about the impact on Indigenous health and culture.
Indigenous Rights Advocates
Evangelical Groups
Cultural Impact
Indigenous Rights Advocates
Contact threatens their culture and health, and outside influence has destructive power.
Evangelical Groups
Missionaries believe they are spreading a positive message.
Government and Missionaries' Role
Indigenous Rights Advocates
The government's actions have been inadequate, especially under Bolsonaro.
Evangelical Groups
Missionaries are attempting to connect with people.
- Ban on Contact
- In effect since 1987
- Missionary Organization Mentioned
- New Tribes Mission (Ethnos360)
- Budget of Ethnos360
- ~$80 million annually
- Uncontacted Groups at Risk
- 13 of 29 officially recognized by Brazil
- Device type
- Solar powered devices