The People of Papua

Irian Jaya means, “glorious rays of the sun shining over the sea when the sun is rising behind the mists.”  It is home to 200 species of land animals, 6-7,000 species of fish, 16,000 species of plants and 80-100,000 species of insects. This eastern-most province of Indonesia was renamed “Papua” last year.  It is located on the world’s second largest island, Papua New Guinea.  The people of the island speak 1000 different languages.  The Asmat people, who inhabit the western side of the island, speak 4-5 different dialects.  They live in the largest contiguous rain forest outside of South America. This is where the Crosier Fathers and Brothers from Minnesota have been serving the people of God in the Diocese of Agats for over 40 years.

            The Asmat People’s only means of travel is in long hand-made canoes.  As they search for food in the jungle, they carry fire with them on the canoes because there is no way to start one in the wet, muddy land.  They eat whatever they find in the jungle: Sago Palm, Sago grubs –  larva of capricorn, and beetles.

After World War II, missionaries went to help restore peace and harmony in the villages of Papua.  In the 1960's, the Indonesian government tried to suppressed all Asmat cultural practices such as feasting and dancing, ritual drumming in the longhouses, and art.  The Crosiers Fathers and Brothers helped mediate between the native peoples and the government, and their efforts helped preserve the Asmat culture.  

Learn more about the people of Papua and the Croiser Fathers and Brothers with links below...

• Learn more about the people and culture of the Asmat through myths and tales.
• Learn more about the Croiser Fathers and Brothers
• Invite a Croiser Father or Brother to come to give an exciting presentation to your parish, school, or group about Papua or our diocesan connections with the people around the world.
• Check out the American Museum of Asmat Art programs for school children.
  Visit the Asmat Musuem in Shoreview, Minnesota
  or call to arrange a guided tour at (651) 287-1132. 
• Watch a wonderful documentary about the Croiser Fathers and Brothers living and ministering in Papua, available through the Mission Office. A 30 minute film on the Asmat can be loaned from the Mission Office.  The film is entitled, “A World Away,” and features Colleen Needles of WCCO TV. 

To learn more about
our other mission connections;
return to the Mission Education for Kids Home Page