Kalinago youth learn appreciation of culture

Over 75 young people from the Kalinago Territory took part in a recently concluded Kalinago Council Cultural Camp 2013.

The aim of the camp was to help the participants nurture and appreciate their ancestral heritage in a modern society.

The camp was held at the Nazarene Camp Ground near Sineku and it ran from August 18 t0 25.

The organizers said this is the third time youth from the Territory have been involved in the development and continuation of Kalinago unique arts and crafts, myth and legends and traditional herbs and medicines.

Along with these experiences, campers were given the opportunity to work on their motivation and self-discipline skills, physical exercise and the improvement of public speaking skills.

They were also engaged in hiking, sight seeing, outdoor cooking, traditional food preparation and preservation. Another objective of the camp was to help participants develop an appreciation for the conservation of their ancestral lands as a natural resource by observing its utilization by members of the community.

The campers participated in a debate on the influence of modern technology on culture where the negative and positive impacts of this phenomenon were discussed.

They were also given the opportunity to display works of art, cuisine and personal interests in the form of a talent night where parents and community members were invited.

The organizers, facilitators and participants, say they anticipate that the event will continue annually and seek the support of the corporate community, individuals and other interest groups to ensure that happens.