Eighteen (18) participants have successfully completed an Indigenous basket weaving and capacity building training in the Kalinago Territory.
The training was implemented by the Ayahora Communities of Excellence (ACE) Foundation Inc. in collaboration with the UNDP’s Climate Promise over a four-week period from November 30 to December 28, 2024.
The initiative aimed to support Dominica’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement by building skills in areas aligned with national climate goals and community development priorities. Focused on reviving the traditional skill of basket weaving and promoting the use of the larouman reed— an indigenous plant species introduced to Dominica by the Kalinago— the programme targeted Indigenous youth and women. Participants gained hands-on training in both craft production and sustainable larouman farming practices.
“Basket weaving remains a skill that has served as the main source of livelihood for Kalinago people over many generations due to its strong cultural and economic value to the Indigenous people. Bolstering basket-weaving and larouman farming in tandem was a strategic move in building strong climate resilience within the Kalinago Community,” said Ms. Adicia Burton, Ayahora’s Vice Chair and the Basket Weaving Project Coordinator.
Throughout the programme, Ayahora ACE Foundation Inc. promoted larouman as a nature-based solution, exploring the use of the reed in preventing erosion in vulnerable areas. The programme embraced the values and principles of sustainability and holistic well-being and introduced the skills and capacity building needed for participants to thrive professionally and personally as sustainable entrepreneurs.
As part of the programme activities, a video documenting the training has been produced to support education, cultural preservation and skill transfer. Participants were able to successfully apply best practices to create two larouman farming plots and produce a variety of crafts— baskets, earrings, bracelets and bottle covers— which were showcased at a closing ceremony held on 28th December 2024. Each participant received a starter kit to support the development of personal larouman farming plots.
“UNDP’s Climate Promise embodies our commitment to advancing climate resilience through nature-based solutions and cultural preservation. Supporting the basket-weaving activity in the Kalinago Territory not only fosters sustainable livelihoods but also empowers Indigenous communities to play a critical role in achieving national climate goals. By integrating traditional knowledge with climate action, we are ensuring a foundation of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity in the face of climate challenges” said Ms. Nickez McPherson, Project Coordinator at UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
Over the four-week period, 13 sessions were hosted covering five focal areas, including:
● Ten intensive basket-weaving sessions incorporating larouman preparation facilitated by basket-weaving experts Mrs. Cecilia Benjamin, Chermin Valmond and Nellistar Ellick. The sessions took place at the aptly positioned Karina Cultural Village in Bataca, the decades-old iconic Indigenous property/home of the Kalinago Shaman and his wife recognized as the Queen of Kalinago Culture;
● Three larouman farming sessions emphasizing best practices to produce quality larouman, facilitated by former Chief Garnette Joseph;
● A standardisation and branding workshop led by Acting General Manager of DEXIA, Mr. Lloyd Pascal, and;
● An entrepreneurship and service excellence workshop led by Ayahora’s Founder/Chair, Sustainable Tourism Consultant & Trainer, Ms. Yvonne Armour, and who along with Ayahora Board Director Ms. Natasha Greaves provided project management oversight.
This project is one component of the broader Kalinago Youth Ema Project developed in 2023 by Miss Dominica 2023, Ms. Adicia Burton, with support from Ayahora ACE Foundation Inc.
Ayahora ACE Foundation Inc. expresses their extreme gratitude to participants and partners of the Indigenous basket weaving skills and capacity building programme, with special thanks to the UNDP’s Climate Promise and the UNDP Dominica Project Office for bringing this project to fruition.
About the Ayahora ACE Foundation
The Ayahora Communities of Excellence (ACE) Foundation Inc. supports holistic education for sustainable development through Indigenous-led programs that promote cultural preservation, environmental resilience, and economic empowerment.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
About UNDP’s Climate Promise
UNDP’s Climate Promise is the UN system’s largest portfolio of support on climate action, working with more than 140 countries and territories and directly benefiting 37 million people. This portfolio implements over US$2.3 billion in grant financing and draws on UNDP’s expertise in adaptation, mitigation, carbon markets, climate and forests, and climate strategies and policy. Visit our website at climatepromise.undp.org and follow us at @UNDPClimate.
