People
Who they are
The Páez, known in their own language as Nasa, are one of the largest indigenous peoples of southwestern Colombia, living mainly in the mountains of the Central Cordillera in the department of Cauca. They have a strong identity tied to defending their ancestral land and preserving their language, Nasa Yuwe. Historically organized and resilient, they maintain their own community councils and a deep connection to their Andean homeland.
Where they live
1
Country
258K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Colombia Significantly reached
|
100%
|
255.000 |
How they live
Agriculture on mountain slopes forms the basis of the economy and community life, with crops including corn, beans, coffee, potatoes, and sugarcane. Social organization centers on the resguardo, an indigenous communal territory, and the cabildos, governing councils that manage communal land and internal affairs. Cooperative community work, known as minga, mobilizes families for collective tasks, strengthening everyday solidarity.
What they believe
Most profess the Christian faith, with a significant evangelical and Catholic presence that often coexists with traditional Andean cosmology. Reverence for nature spirits, sacred mountains, and traditional healers remains alive in popular beliefs. For local believers, living out the gospel means bearing witness to Christ while honoring the dignity of their culture.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Nasa
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)65%
Evangelicals38%
Needs
Communities face ongoing social challenges arising from the presence of armed groups and drug trafficking on their lands. Alongside physical protection and food security, there is a need for biblical discipleship that strengthens local churches, equips pastors from within the community, and promotes reconciliation between community traditions and the evangelical faith.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pela paz e segurança nas comunidades Nasa, frequentemente cercadas pela violência armada.
Pelo fortalecimento e maturidade bíblica dos líderes cristãos que servem entre o povo.
Pelo discipulado sólido de jovens e crianças, unindo a fé ao respeito pela identidade cultural.
Pelo acesso contínuo e uso transformador das Escrituras na língua nasa yuwe.
Por reconciliação comunitária e unidade em meio a tensões sociais e políticas locais.
Pray for Páez
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar