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On November 10, 2025, Diaspora Heritage in Movement, in collaboration with FARO and various heritage foundations, is organizing the symposium "Postcolonial Heritage: Other Perspectives" at the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam.

During this symposium, we will present our first research report, which focuses on the concept of heritage as experienced by postcolonial communities in the diaspora. The report is based on in-depth conversations with communities and experts and represents the first step toward a more inclusive heritage sector in the Netherlands.

The day will be chaired by Dunja Colman, who will guide the program and facilitate the discussions with speakers and participants.

Program Overview

• Formal opening with artistic contributions
  (Surinamese Javanese gamelan, Surinamese Hindustani music/dance, Chinese-Indonesian reflections)
• Presentation of research findings by Dr. Jaswina Elahi and official handover of the report by representatives from Suriname and Indonesia to, among others, UNESCO Netherlands and Dutch municipalities
• Workshop sessions on themes such as: Silence in intergenerational transmission, Media representation, Decolonizing consciousness, Blind spots in heritage institutions - wherein communities, researchers, and heritage professionals come together for open dialogue.
• Panel discussion on heritage and colonialism with representatives from various postcolonial communities
• Keynote speech by Dr. Aminata Cairo
• Artistic closing with spoken word, followed by a festive reception and networking opportunity

This symposium brings together communities, researchers, and institutions to make visible different perspectives on heritage and to engage in dialogue about how the heritage sector can become more inclusive. It also marks the starting point for the second phase of this research.