Dominica hosts its first ever National Consultation for the Safeguarding of its Intangible Cultural Heritage or living heritage carded for Thursday, 22 September 2022 at the University of the West Indies Auditorium.

The Dominica National Commission for UNESCO through the Government of Dominica in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Community Development – Division of Culture and the UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean recently launched the project ‘Strengthening Capacities at the National and Local Levels for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Dominica’ which took place on at the Division of Culture, Old Mill Cultural Centre on Friday July 15, 2022. This national consultation is an important first step, as it presents an opportunity for Dominicans to discuss challenges and opportunities for the safeguarding of this Intangible Heritage.

This is the second time Dominica has received funding under the ICH Fund, having previously received support for the project ‘Revitalization of Traditional Masquerade Performing Arts and Costume Making’, jointly implemented by Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia in 2004.

The present US$ 65,000 Intangible Cultural Heritage funded project ‘Strengthening Capacities at the National and Local Levels for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Dominica’,aims to bring together and  strengthen government’s capacities, stakeholders, civil society, individual practitioners and knowledge bearers to document, safeguard, and promote Dominica’s rich living or intangible heritage, ensuring the sustainable implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This heritage is evident in who we are as Dominicans, our ways of life, the stories we tell, our practices, rituals, and festivals, among many other manifestations. Key activities will include a needs assessment, inventorying and public awareness activities targeting the wider and youth populations.