define along which riverside there will be more fish. Based on their suspicions, they build their fishing camps accordingly. Their vegetable products in their food rotation included: berries, nuts, herbs, algae and shellfish. The Nivkhs lived in tribes, and the tribe was the main self-governing cell. The supreme authority of the Nivkhs' government was the Council of Elders. In the process of a long historical development they were able to create their own graphic art, presenting rather high artistic values. Until the middle of the 19th century, the Nivkhs remained outside of the influence of any state authorities. In the community of the Nivkhs, there are a lot of folklore, songs, and myths on how the universe (including humans) was created. There were also some on how ancient fantastic heroes, spirits and beast had battled with each other.
What are their beliefs?
The Nivkhs are shamanist. The traditional religion was partially based on animist beliefs before the Russians encouraged them to convert to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. They believed that the island of Sakhalin is a giant beast lying on its belly and the hair was the trees of the island. The Nivkhs thought that the Earthquakes meant that the beast was upset, therefore it awoke and trembled. They have a variety of gods the rule over the mountains, rivers, seas, and sky. Today, some of the Nivkhs have transformed their religion to Russian Orthodoxy or other religions; however there are still many that practice the traditional beliefs. Fire is the symbol of the unity of a clan. It is thought to be a deity of their ancestors, who is protecting them from evil spirits and guarded them from harm. The Nivkhs would 'feed' the deities by offering items to them. For example, the sea god would be feed something important so that he would protect the travelers.
* Pray for the Nivkhs' hearts to be hungry for Truth and to be searching for the One True Living God.
* Pray for messengers to go to the Nivkhs and to present the gospel not only with words which can be understood but with their very lives.
* Pray for Nivkh believers to grow in their faith and to carry the good news to other groups living around them and even those far away.
* Pray for the availability of the Jesus Film in the primary language of this people.
* Pray for Gospel messages to become available in audio format for this people group.
ReferencesView Gilyak, Nivkh in all countries.
"The Nivkhs", http://russia.rin.ru/guides_e/4715.html