Summer round-up 2025 with José Manuel in the UK
As the summer draws to a close, we’re pleased to share some of the inspiring developments, events and connections that have shaped a remarkable few months for the Tairona Heritage Trust and the Kogi in the UK. This summer has been nothing short of extraordinary.
José Manuel Sauna Mamatacan, the official Kogi Ambassador, spent almost a month in the UK with THT. His visit focused on connecting with the waters he knows are suffering, raising awareness of the Kogi performance Gonawindúa, The Heart of The World and participating in several high-level events.
A Historic Audience with The King
For the first time in history, the Kogi voice was heard by royalty. Earlier this year, HM The King invited a member of the Kogi community to attend his Harmony event at Highgrove in July, where Indigenous leaders from around the world gathered to share and learn from each other. The Tairona Heritage Trust was honoured to support Jose Manuel’s participation and his audience with the King. José Manuel presented a copy of the Kogi-authored book Shikwakala (not available to the public) and is hopeful that the King will read it.
Visiting the Sacred Waters and Stones of the UK
José Manuel was warmly welcomed at several spiritually significant sites across the UK, deepening the connection between Indigenous wisdom and ancient British landscapes. His journey included visits to the sacred waters of Glastonbury, the historic site of Blick Mead, and the ancient stone circle at Stanton Drew. In Glastonbury, José Manuel met with Guardians of the ancient springs, expressing his appreciation for their deep commitment to protecting the water. At Blick Mead, he spent time in quiet communion with the waters and shared a powerful insight — that this place was once used for conflict resolution by those who came before. At Stanton Drew, he was delighted to find what he recognised as true Indigenous stones, noting the rare presence of such energy in the UK. These moments of connection continue to build important bridges between ancient traditions, reminding us of the sharedresponsibility we hold for the Earth and its sacred places. These visits culminated in a final ritual in Wales, in collaboration with the Tribes Movement, uniting the waters of Wales and those of Colombia, at the heart of the world. Jose Manuel helped us to deepen our understanding of the spiritual role of water, how to recognise nature’s patterns, and how to listen carefully to what the water is communicating.
Gonawindúa Performance – Raising Awareness
For the first time, the Kogi are stepping onto the stage with an adaptation of an ancient 9-part ritual. Gonawindúa: The Heart of the World is the first-ever theatre work created by the Kogi people, carrying forward their most powerful message to the world today. This groundbreaking performance is the result of a unique collaboration between the Kogi and Teatro Cenit, a radical Colombian theatre company renowned for its transformative Bridging Theatre method. Together, they are shaping a visionary cultural project that transcends borders, languages and worldviews. With the formal agreement now signed between OGT (Organización Gonawindúa Tayrona) and Teatro Cenit, the journey has officially begun. On 14 July 2025, at London’s St Ethelburga’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, THT hosted a preview screening of the performance. The venue was filled to capacity, and the audience witnessed a powerful glimpse of what is to come. José Manuel spoke with deep emotion and clarity about the urgency of the Kogi message and the meaning behind this unprecedented work. His words resonated deeply with those present. This is more than a performance; it’s a call to remember our responsibility to the Earth, guided by the wisdom of one of the world’s most ancient living cultures. Thanks to the generous support of our community, we successfully raised the funds needed to secure passports for the Kogi performers. This vital step enables future travel and cultural exchange, ensuring the Kogi voice can be heard on the world stage. Stay tuned for further updates as Gonawindúa: The Heart of the World continues its journey to the stage.
Thanks to the generous support of our community, we successfully raised the funds needed to secure passports for the Kogi performers. This vital step enables future travel and cultural exchange, ensuring the Kogi voice can be heard on the world stage. Please continue with us and donate.
The Abbey Sutton Courtenay
Jose Manuel also spent time in reflection and dialogue with students of the teachings of Ibn ʿArabī, whose Sufi philosophy includes the practice of ‘polishing one’s heart’. Our thanks to Martha Cass for organising this rich and thoughtful exchange.
UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES ‘Bridging Futures’ Event
Near the end of July, Jose Manuel spoke at the inaugural UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES Bridging Futures event in Wales, where he presented the Munekan Masha conservation project, which the Trust is supporting. The event brought together global thought leaders, including the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Phan Thị Kim Phúc. Known as the girl in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph from the Vietnam War, Kim is now a powerful advocate for peace, reconciliation and forgiveness. The event was a moment of reflection and commitment to a world guided by compassion and wisdom. The Kogi message resonated deeply, reminding us of the urgent need to listen to the Earth and to each other.
