Introduction / History The Dukha or Tsaatan are a Turkic people of reindeer herders who live in northern Khovsgol Aimag in Mongolia. Tsaatan means those who have reindeers in Mongolian. They speak Tuva and Mongolian.
They follow Tengrism as their religion. They worship creation and ancestors and believe the ghosts of ancestors live as animals and give guidance. They have religious books. The Dukha were originally from the Tuva part of Russia. They live as people did many years ago.
The Dukha are one of only a few reindeer herding peoples. Reindeers are of the utmost importance to them. They live on reindeer produce which are milk, yogurt and cheese. They use reindeer for transport and for carrying items and really look after them and treat them as part of the family. Adults and children alike train the reindeers.
The Dukha are nomadic and move about a lot, which can be an obstacle to the gospel. They live in portable round tents that are called yurts made mostly from tree bark. They sleep on the ground on skins and their yurt always includes a stove. They also hunt wild animals for food for themselves.
Prayer Points Pray that ways are found to give the Dukha the gospel message.
Pray that they will be shown the Bible and replace their religious books with it and that they will come to Jesus Christ.
North and west enclaves, Hovsgol Province, northwest Tsagaannuur and Ulaan-Uul sums, 2 areas of east of Hovsgol Nuur; Uvs Province, north and west of Uva Nuur, far north Tsagaannuur and Ulaan-Uul sums; Dzavhan Province, Dorvoljin sum; and Hovd Province, capital city area. (Source: Ethnologue 2016)
JP Unreached of Day
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