The Sepik region in Papua New Guinea is home to numerous tribes, each with its unique culture, traditions, and way of life. In this list, we’ve compiled information on 50 tribes in the Ambunti and Wewak areas along the Sepik River, including their location, cultural practices, and traditions.

A. Core Sepik basin / East Sepik list

Abelam (Ambulas), Abu’ Arapesh, Adjora, Alamblak, Ama, Amal, Ambakich, Andai, Angoram, Arafundi, Aruek, Awiakay, Bahinemo, Banaro, Berinomo, Bisis, Boiken, Bosmun, Bukiyip, Bumbita, Bun, Buna, Bungain, Burui, Chambri, Changriwa, Chenapian, Eitiep, Elepi, Forok, Gaikundi, Gorovu, Heyo, Iatmul, Inapang, Iwam, Juwal, Kamasau, Kambot, Kaningra, Kapriman, Keak, Kis, Koiwat, Kombio, Kopar, Kwanga, Kwasengen, Kwoma (Washkuk), Kyenele, Lembena, Manambu, Marangis, Mari, Mekmek, Mufian, Mundugumor, Mwakai, Nakwi, Namia, Nanubae, Nete, Nggala, Nigilu, Niksek, Owiniga, Papi, Pei, Piame, Pondi, Sanio, Sengo, Sepik Iwam, Sos Kundi (Sawos Kundi), Sumariup, Tabriak, Tapei, Tayap (Taiap), Urat, Urim, Urimo, Wagu, Walio, Watakataui, Wiarumus, Wogamusin, Wogeo, Wom, Yambes, Yaul, Yawiyo, Yelogu, Yerakai, Yessan-Mayo, Yimas. 

B. Broader Upper Sepik / Sandaun (West Sepik) list

Abau, Agi, Ainbai, Ak, Amanab, Ambrak, Amto, Angor, Arop, Aruop, Au, Auwe-Daonda, Auwon, Awtuw, Ayi, Baibai, Bauni, Beli, Bimin, Bo, Bouni, Bragat, Busa, Dera, Dia, Elkei, Faiwol, Fas, Gnau, Guriaso, Imonda, I’saka, Iteri, Kalou, Karawa, Karkar (Yuri), Kilmeri, Kwomtari, Laeko, Leitre, Manem, Mehek, Mian, Minidien, Mol, Nabi, Nai, Ngalum, Nimo, Ningera, Ninggerum, Ningil, Nouri, Oksapmin, Olo, One, Pagi (Bembi), Pahi, Pasi, Pouye, Puari, Rawo, Seim, Sera, Seta, Seti, Siawi, Siliput, Sinagen, Sissano, Sowanda, Suarmin, Telefol, Tifal, Tumleo, Tuwari, Ulau-Suain, Uni, Vanimo, Walman, Wanap, Waris, Womo, Wutung, Yahang, Yakamul, Yalë, Yangum, Yapunda, Yau, Yil, Yis. 

The main famous Sepik cultural groups to definitely keep

Abelam, Arapesh, Boiken, Chambri, Iatmul, Manambu, Sawos, Murik, Kwoma/Washkuk, Yimas, Karawari/Tabriak, Kopar, Angoram, Mundugumor, Kombio, Bukiyip, Wogamusin, Yessan-Mayo, Sissano, Abau, Amanab, Imonda, One, Telefol, Tifal, Oksapmin, Kilmeri, Waris, Vanimo, Wutung. These sit across the best-known Sepik, Lower Sepik, Ndu, and Upper Sepik references.