Last Thursday 21 November was a special day for our team, and all involved in the Our HERmitage project. We organised an opening event at The Hague Conference Centre. This event was the first sneak peak of our project. It was a celebration of emotions, stories, and connection. What started out as an idea to break stereotypes and celebrate the diversity and strength of Caribbean women in Dutch history has become an inspiring reality.
The Journey
In the year in which the Netherlands commemorates 150 years of abolition of slavery, the project "Our HER HERITAGE" was started. This initiative aims to highlight the often-forgotten lives of Caribbean women during the colonial period, including slavery and contract labour.
Many people within the Surinamese and Caribbean communities have a complex relationship with their roots due to intergenerational trauma and challenges. "Our Heritage" focuses on transcending the first generations and going back to the origins: our ancestors. This project promotes a unique perspective and counteracts stereotyping, both within and outside these communities. It is an opportunity to share the stories of strong women who have played a crucial role in history but have often remained in the shadows. With fifty historical portraits, the project strives for ethnic and geographical diversity and provides a platform for stories that have been ignored for too long.
One of the unique aspects of "Our Heritage" is the active involvement of descendants in archival research. The project guides 25-30 participants in discovering their ancestors, allowing them to make a personal connection with their history. After this voyage of discovery, historians will work with the collected material to place it in a broader historical context. This process not only provides insight into history but also gives diversity and women a voice in the story of the Netherlands.
The road to this project and the opening event was one of trial and error. With new collaborations, flexibility, and perseverance, we have brought our goal ever closer. It was a journey full of challenges, but also full of beautiful moments that brought us together.
Highlights
Opening poem by Jane Arifa Batarget.
The meeting started with a beautiful opening poem by Jane Arifa Badulla, which set the tone for an inspiring and unforgettable afternoon and evening.
In conversation with the team members
After the opening, the project was introduced by Our Heritage team members. The team members introduced themselves and everyone got a first sneak peek of the historical portraits, which further fuelled the curiosity and engagement of the audience.
Panel Discussion
The evening continued with a fascinating panel discussion, in which participants such as Artie Ramsodit, Lucia E. Martis, Yerrel H., Robby Kibbelaar, Arthur Kibbelaar and Fariel Soeleiman shared their insights. The discussion was lively and provided a platform for different perspectives.
Quiz
And then the audience got to grips with it, and we put on a quiz with beautiful prizes. The guests not only enjoyed the quiz, but also delicious Caribbean snacks. The knowledge quiz brought out competitive feelings: at No. 1 Yerrel Haime with the prize of reconstructing an old archive photo of your choice, and at No. 2 and 3 Marthe and Aron Kibbelaar with a book by Roline Redmon and by Rashid Dossett. In addition, Surinam Airways has been so generous to give away a trip for a participant who will also contribute to a lecture by the Our Heritage team overseas. You will hear who that is soon!
Unveiling artwork
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the impressive work of art by David Paulus, made especially for this occasion. Everyone could admire the artwork and appreciated the creativity and dedication of the artist.
Question quarter Martine Zoeteman (CBG)
Genealogist Martine Zoeteman, also part of our Academic Review Committee, led a Question Time in which she invited guests to ask their questions. Beautiful extra were her fine words of respect for the dedication to the participants of Our Heritage by our founder.
Suprise singer as closing track.
The evening was festive with the music of Aïcha Gill, which provided a cheerful and festive atmosphere. Her performance was the perfect ending to an inspiring gathering.
Guests went home with a nice goodie bag or closed the evening with a delicious Indian buffet. It was an evening full of inspiration, connection, and enjoyment.
Thank you.
This trip would not have been possible without the support of several organisations, including the Cultural Participation Fund, the Sluyterman van Loo Fund and the CBG|Centre for Family History. Special thanks go to Surinam Airways Ltd, LUSH, Tony's Chocolonely, Gobind Ramkalup, Roline Redmond, PhD, and Chaday Events. The passion and commitment of our team and the workshop participants have also played a crucial role in the success of this event.
Future
With the team, consisting of Rashid Dossett, Hilde Neus, Tanya Sitaram, Sjaiesta Nanhekhan, Fariel Soeleiman and Laurie Wissink and led by Fausia S. Abdul we are now working towards the final exhibition in spring 2025. This exhibition will feature 50 Caribbean historical women's portraits that highlight the power and diversity of our shared Dutch history. Together we continue to build an inclusive future where every voice counts.
The opening event of Our Heritage was a remarkable success and a crucial step in our mission. We are grateful for the support of everyone involved and look forward to the next phase of our project. Let us continue to fight together for inclusiveness and recognition of all voices in our history.
This event is made possible with the support of:
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