PROJECTS

We are honored to walk alongside Indigenous elders, including the Mamos and Jabas, whose lives are devoted to sustaining harmony with the natural world, and we are deeply grateful to our supporters for recognizing the importance of reconnecting with nature through those who live in service to its balance and care. We also hold profound appreciation for the ever-deepening relationships with these elders—many of whom have become like family—and for the teachings that continue to guide us toward a deeper understanding of our connection to all that is, and to ourselves.

areas of work

Teyku Reclamation (Foundational Initiative): Early efforts were dedicated to supporting the protection and reclamation of a 32-hectare sacred site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), recognized as a Kogi Esuama—a critical point of spiritual and ecological significance. This initiative contributed to the vision of re-establishing spaces for the transmission of ancestral knowledge, including the strengthening of Mamo- and Jaba-guided wisdom practices, alongside community-based agriculture and traditional ways of living through building, crafts, and music. This work became an important foundation in our journey, helping to shape and inform the evolution of our approach—deepening our commitment to models that integrate cultural preservation, self-sufficiency, and long-term resilience.

Kuivi Fund (A Pathway of Support): At a meaningful stage in our journey, support was extended to young initiates undertaking the traditional path toward becoming Mamos and Jabas—an immersive formation rooted in personal growth, spiritual responsibility, and stewardship of the Earth. Guided by the Law of Origin, this process reflects a depth of learning comparable in time commitment to formal education, yet centered on the transmission of ancestral wisdom. Support helped sustain initiates in their daily needs and enabled the presence and guidance of established Mamos and Jabas as teachers and wisdom keepers, while honoring the community balance they would otherwise maintain through practices such as weaving and farming. This experience contributed to the continuity of these teachings and continues to inform our evolving understanding of how best to support the preservation and transmission of ancestral knowledge.

Casa Salvaguarda (A Space of Gathering): At an important moment in our journey, efforts were dedicated to supporting the emergence of a shared space near Colombia’s capital where Indigenous communities could gather, reconnect, and exchange cultural values, practices, and wisdom. In a region without designated territories for Indigenous presence, this space offered a neutral environment for dialogue, guidance, and mutual support—particularly for those seeking counsel from Mamos and Jabas. As a community began to take shape, it became a place of refuge and connection, reflecting the importance of creating environments where ancestral knowledge can be lived, shared, and strengthened. This experience continues to inform our understanding of the importance of spaces that foster unity, cultural continuity, and collective resilience.

Record and Transcribe Narration of Ancient Wisdom Teachings: The knowledge of the Law of Origin—including the creation story of the Earth, guidance for the care of all living beings, and the principles that govern universal balance—has been passed through oral tradition from generation to generation for thousands of years. Since its initial development in 2023, this initiative has continued to evolve through careful listening, learning, and evaluation, expanding to include the documentation of historical context as well as dedicated interviews with Jabas to honor and preserve the wisdom of the elder women. Given the depth and cultural nuance of these teachings—many of which unfold over extended periods—efforts have focused on recording, translating, interpreting, and transcribing from native languages into Spanish and English in a way that maintains their integrity. In parallel, thoughtfully designed workshops have emerged to share these teachings with the western world, creating a respectful bridge between ancestral knowledge and contemporary life. As the number of traditional elders and Mamos continues to diminish and the pressures of westernization intensify, this work remains both time-sensitive and essential—supporting the preservation, continuity, and living transmission of a worldview rooted in balance, care, and interconnectedness.

Worldwide Pagamentos (A Global Offering): At a meaningful stage in our journey, we supported international gatherings for Mother Earth led by Mamos and Jabas, centered around the practice of Pagamento—an essential expression of spiritual responsibility and reciprocity with the natural world. These gatherings created space for participants from diverse backgrounds to receive wisdom teachings and engage with traditional practices that reflect a deep relationship with the Earth. Each experience was thoughtfully held, with preparation and dialogue that allowed for reflection, understanding, and connection. Through these efforts, many were introduced to a spiritual perspective of caring for the Earth, and this work continues to inform our understanding of how ancestral practices can be shared with the wider world in a respectful and meaningful way.

Operating Budget: Staff salaries and wages; information technology; professional services including legal, accounting, and consulting support in Colombia and North America; as well as essential program-related expenses such as video production and documentation, translation and interpretation services, and other resources required to support the preservation and sharing of ancestral knowledge.

Guided Pathways & Evolving Work

Project pathways have traditionally been guided through the wisdom of the Mamos and Jabas, often informed through processes of spiritual consultation. While this continues to be an important foundation, our work has evolved to also include a complementary focus on supporting displaced communities through deeply rooted initiatives that foster self-reliance, dignity, and long-term resilience.

In the fall of 2021, we supported the launch of the Bunshanduna Wisdom School alongside respected wisdom keepers, creating a space for the transmission of ancestral knowledge grounded in the Law of Origin. This experience contributed to our ongoing understanding of how such spaces can nurture learning, continuity, and cultural preservation.

As our work has deepened, we have focused on building meaningful relationships with organizations across Colombia, engaging at a grassroots level to better understand and strengthen our impact on the ground. This process has brought greater clarity to our path and highlighted the importance of collaboration in a landscape where efforts can often feel fragmented. Through relationships with aligned organizations, we have contributed to initiatives in environmental stewardship, traditional education, forest conservation, reforestation, and rural sustainability. These collaborations continue to inspire a shared vision—one where collective effort can bring greater coherence, strength, and lasting impact.

Looking Ahead

Sausumen–Gowisen Youth Initiative (Living Model in Development): As part of our evolving work, we are actively supporting the Sausumen–Gowisen Youth initiative—a dynamic, community-led effort focused on cultivating a living model of self-sufficiency rooted in dignity, reciprocity, and long-term resilience. This initiative centers on empowering Indigenous youth, elder women, and families to strengthen food autonomy, develop pathways toward financial independence, and sustain their cultural identity within changing environments. At its core is the integration of ancestral wisdom guided by the Law of Origin with access to modern education and practical knowledge, fostering a balanced approach that honors both worlds. A key element of this work has been the identification and strengthening of emerging leadership within the community to carry this vision forward. Significant progress has been achieved, with food self-sufficiency now established. The initiative is advancing toward financial autonomy through reciprocal economic practices, supported by educational partnerships and leadership development that integrate ancestral wisdom with modern knowledge. It is on track to become a mature, replicable model by mid to late 2027.

Environmental Stewardship Initiative (Watershed Protection in Development): We are supporting the protection of a territory in the Medina region of significant environmental and cultural importance, centered around a vital water source and its surrounding watershed. This initiative, closely connected to the Sausumen–Gowisen Youth project, was originally envisioned and initiated by the community’s leader prior to Teyuna Foundation’s involvement. Current efforts focus on advancing environmental protection and ensuring legal clarity of the land. The community leader has secured legal counsel through collaborative pathways with local agencies and government entities, while continuing to receive guidance. This work reflects a broader commitment to stewardship, resilience, and the protection of essential natural resources. Teyuna Foundation’s role is to accompany the process through guidance and advisory support. The Managing Director serves as counselor, guide, and liaison with government authorities and relevant local organizations as needed.
Creole–Amerindian Institute (Long-Term Vision): As part of a broader, forward-looking vision, the possibility of establishing a Creole–Amerindian Institute has been thoughtfully considered as a future expression of the Foundation’s work. Envisioned as a place of refuge, learning, and cultural exchange for Indigenous communities across the Americas, this concept reflects a deep respect for the historical and cultural interweaving between Creole and Amerindian traditions. Rooted in a shared legacy that spans continents and generations—including moments of alliance, resilience, and cultural continuity—this vision honors the enduring connections that continue to be reflected in celebrations and collective memory throughout the region. While this initiative remains in a contemplative stage, it represents a long-term aspiration that may unfold in alignment with the natural evolution of the Foundation’s path and the guidance of those it serves.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share the teachings of the Mamos and Jabas with a growing community, fostering meaningful connection and reflection. Above all, this exchange serves to rekindle a quiet but powerful sense of hope—one rooted in balance, awareness, and the possibility of living in greater harmony with the world around us.

We invite you to explore the Projects section, where each initiative offers meaningful insight into the traditions, principles, and lived practices that guide this work. Should any part resonate or raise questions, we welcome you to reach out—your curiosity and engagement are part of the ongoing dialogue this work seeks to nurture.