Nukak
The Nukak [nɨkãk] people (also Nukak-Makú) live between the Guaviare and Inírida rivers, in the depths of the tropical humid forest, on the fringe of the Amazon basin, in Guaviare Department, Republic of Colombia. They are nomadic hunter-gatherers with seasonal nomadic patterns and practice small-scale shifting horticulture. They were classified as "uncontacted people" until 1981, and have since lost half of their population primarily to disease. Part of their territory has been used by coca growers, ranchers, and other settlers, as well as being occupied by guerrillas, army and paramilitaries. Responses to this crisis include protests, requests for assimilation, and the suicide of leader Maw-be'. An estimated 210–250 Nukak people live in provisional settlements at San José del Guaviare, while about as many live nomadically in the Nukak Reservation (Resguardo).
A Nukak mother and child, 1993 | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 744 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| San José del Guaviare settlements: 210-250, Nukak Reservation: estimated at 500 | |
| Languages | |
| Nukak Spanish speakers rare. | |
| Religion | |
| Animist | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Kãkwã, or Cacua or Bará-Makú Other Makú peoples like Hupdu |