Diasporic Indigeneity: Surinamese Indigenous Identities in the Netherlands

Abstract

The presence of Surinamese Indigenous peoples in the Netherlands is not a new nor recent phenomenon. Although in small numbers, Surinamese Indigenous peoples have crossed the ocean (both voluntarily and involuntary) and made their way to the Netherlands throughout the centuries. This continues to this day, yet little to nothing has been written about these trajectories, demonstrating the lack of attention for Indigenous perspectives in the Dutch context. This research project aims to shine a light on these predominantly underrepresented migration and dwelling histories, as well as the contemporary lived experiences and identity articulations of Surinamese Indigenous diasporic lives in the Netherlands. By using elements from diaspora theory, intersectionality, place-making through the hub, urban Indigenous studies and articulation theory, this research wishes to show that one does not cease to be Indigenous when living in an urban, diasporic context, acknowledging the creative and diverse ways Surinamese Indigenous peoples living in diaspora are making ‘a place here by keeping alive a strong feeling of attachment elsewhere’ (Clifford, 2013).