“Tumbuna” means ancestors in Tok Pisin (the trade language for most of Papua New Guinea). “Samting Tumbuna” meets art. This organization collaborates with villages to make video content and books for their future generations. So far, we have focused on the Sawiyano but look forward to expanding our work with other indigenous communities around the world.
The founder is Betni Kalk who is a professor of art & design in Omaha, NE. She was born in Canada and her missionary parents moved the family to New Guinea soon after. She was raised in a Sawiyano village where she wandered around the bush as many hours she could each day. This 10 year experience and subsequent return visits fostered the deep love and respect that she has for Sawiyano, their culture, and their land.
Please email us at tumbuna.arts@gmail.com