Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage of African Descendants in Belize

The CECC/SICA Council of Ministers of Culture coordinates the program, with support from the Central American Black Organization (ONECA) and the Regional Center for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Latin America (CRESPIAL), which is another organization affiliated with UNESCO. The “Strengthening the Capacity of Community Leaders and Public Managers for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the People of African Descent in the SICA Region and Cuba” project aims to help community leaders and government representatives in different countries better protect the cultural traditions of Afro-descendant communities in the region. It supports the goals of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and is funded by the UNESCO international fund created for this purpose (UNESCO, 2022).

The National Institute of Culture and History, under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, is pleased to present our National Team representing Belize in the Project for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of African Descent of the SICA Region and Cuba:

• Michael Kemp – Community Representative, Vice-President of the National Kriol Council
• April Martinez – Living Heritage Officer, NICH-Institute for Social & Cultural Research
• Sheena Zuniga – Community Representative, President of the National Garifuna Council

Phase I of the project began in May 2023 and concluded in June 2024. Our team travelled to Panama and El Salvador during the year to engage with other countries involved in this project to network and present data from Belize. Phase II has already begun and will conclude in 2025. We encourage communities to be on the lookout for our team as we travel into communities to gather data and promote African-descendant heritage in Belize.

Belize is rich in cultural diversity, with its African-descendant communities playing a vital role in preserving this heritage. The “Plan of Action for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)” focuses on documenting, preserving, and promoting the unique practices of Kriol and Garifuna communities.

Why is This Important?

The cultural heritage of Belize’s African descendants is integral to the nation’s identity, encompassing rituals, music, oral traditions, and more. However, these practices face risks from modernization, environmental threats, and loss of traditional knowledge.

Key Initiatives (2023-2024):

1. Documenting Kriol Traditions: Nomination of practices like Krismus Bram and Sambai through the Gale’s Point Manatee Community and NKC to UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
2. Building Resilience: Capacity-building workshops in Seine Bight and Gale’s Point to equip residents with skills to protect their cultural heritage.
3. Community-Led Initiatives: Support for cultural events like the Willows Bank Fayah Haat Festival and the Sisira Competition, which help keep traditions alive.

Our Approach

The safeguarding process involves ethnographic research, community workshops, and collaboration with local and international partners. By engaging the community, we ensure that these cultural practices are documented and thrive.

Looking Ahead

Our goal is to establish a sustainable framework that preserves and promotes the living heritage of Belize’s African descendants, protecting these traditions while strengthening community resilience and fostering cultural pride for future generations.