2026 Name Change Coming Soon

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In the early stage of establishing the foundation, the name Kualama served as an important anchor. It is a Kogui word, and it helped symbolize the initial spirit and direction of our mission as the foundation began to take shape. But as our works with the tribes deepened, and as relationships with the Arhuaco Ni’kuma became more established, it felt important to seek guidance on the name that would be best suited to carry this mission forward.

This became one of the meaningful outcomes of our recent time in Colombia spent in conversation with the spiritual authorities—the Mamos. What was shared is that Kualama remains strong in its symbolism, but it is specific to one language. One tribe. One leg of the table.

Through consultation, it was recognized that across the four tribes of the Sierra Nevada, there are shared sounds and meanings—shared structures of understanding.

From that process, a new name was offered to us: Ka’shi’umun.

What makes this name meaningful is that it emerges from a shared context across the four tribal languages, offering a deeper collective anchoring for the foundation’s mission.

Very simply, the syllables are understood this way:

• Ka — means Terra & Terra means Earth, origin, and the sacred order of the world. It relates to Mother Earth, the world itself, and the ancestral foundations from which life and responsibility emerge.
• Shi — is a sacred thread or binding force that protects and sustains life. It is also connected to sacred stones, structural support, and messenger forces that warn when people have strayed and affirm when they return to right relationship.
• U — is the eye or vision, representing the capacity to see ahead and act with future-oriented purpose.
• Mun — is balance, harmony, and proper functioning. It reflects neutrality, sweetness, and the condition in which things work well and remain in right order.

Together, the name carries a sense of Earth, connection, vision, and balance in service of life.

Ka’shi’umun is the full name given through consultation, and it is the name that anchors the foundation in relationship, responsibility, and long-term care. It is the name the tribes of the Sierra Nevada will know us by. At the same time, for engagement with the broader Western world, we determined that there was a need for something simpler—something easier to communicate and remember.

That is why we are transitioning from Kualama Foundation to: KA Foundation.

KA becomes the public-facing expression—simple, accessible, and clear—while still carrying the essence of Ka’shi’umun. Over the coming weeks and months, you will see us fully implement this transition. A Name change is a process so you might see both KA and Kualama foundation for a period of time.

This reflects a deeper anchoring in purpose.

Our mission remains the same—

but the name now carries a deeper alignment with that mission.

This marks the beginning of the next phase,

where we move forward with greater grounding,

clearer direction, and a stronger connection to the relationships that guide our work.