Eric JULIEN, Founder

Eric JULIEN is a geographer and business consultant. In 1985, whilst travelling through the high valleys of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Colombia), he was saved from pulmonary oedema by the Kogi (Kagaba) people.

To thank them, and in an attempt to contribute to their survival, he founded the association Tchendukua – Ici et Ailleurs. An association that brings together those who wish to embrace a way of life based on the pursuit of harmony and respect for others.

He is the author of numerous books, including ‘Le chemin des neuf mondes’, ‘Kogis, le message des derniers hommes’ (Albin Michel), and ‘Les Indiens Kogis, la mémoire des possibles’ (Actes Sud). “Kogis: The Path of the Speaking Stones” (Actes Sud 2022)

Pierre RICHARD, Honorary President

“The Kogi Indians have a worldview based on respect for others, for themselves and for nature. Today, more than ever, their teachings and their philosophy of life seem to me vital to preserve and heed.”

An actor, producer and performer, he met the Kogis during one of their visits to France organised in November 1998. Moved and passionate about the cause of Native Americans, whether from the North or the South, he facilitated the production of a first 52-minute documentary broadcast on several French and international channels.

In 2000, he became Honorary President of the Tchendukua Association – Ici et Ailleurs.

Michel PODOLAK, President

Michel Podolak divides his time between his artistic work (conducting orchestras and choirs, theatre), his corporate engagements in which he explores the concept of cooperation using music as a metaphorical tool, and his strong civic commitments. There is a single purpose to all this: to help put life back at the heart of our societies. Home – Michel Podolak, Leadership, management, team cohesion for business (mpodolak.com)

Françoise CALLIER

Photographer and co-founder

“I met Eric Julien in 1998; he told me about his adventure with the Kogis (…) Eric was wondering how to start building ‘Tchendukua’ and make the story credible to future donors. I thought the first thing to do was to buy a plot of land to show the Kogis that Eric hadn’t made empty promises. So I helped Eric buy the first plot of land, and then, with my son (…), we bought the land at La Luna. I was lucky enough to have three shamans, Marcello, Marco and Miguel, staying with me for ten days. We had long conversations; the Kogis’ questions, as well as their answers to mine, were always imbued with infinite wisdom. (…) This closeness allowed me to get to know them better; I appreciated that they confided in me and spoke to me about their daily problems as if I were a friend. They also have a very distinctive sense of humour; we laughed a great deal too. Ten magical, unforgettable days. They nicknamed me Paquita la Mama, calling me the Mama of the Big Brothers – what a wonderful gift! It moved me deeply.”

Françoise CALLIER has spent her entire career in the world of photography, working for agencies such as 2^ème Bureau and Corbis, and later as an agent for photographers and public figures including H. Newton, JP Goude, F. Mitterrand and M. Vadukul… She is the programme coordinator for the Angkor Photo Festival.

Photo: ©Jamey Stillings