Miami, F.L., June 17, 2024 – On Saturday, June 15, 2024, Goldwater Ventures proudly participated in the Cultural Heritage Symposium at the historic Deering Estate. This two-day event brought together leading scientists, researchers, and community leaders to discuss and explore the cultural and ecological significance of coastal archaeological heritage in the Caribbean Basin, particularly in the face of climate change. Goldwater Ventures proudly participated in the "Our Shared Sea: Coastal Archaeological Heritage in the Caribbean Basin" symposium hosted by the historic Deering Estate.
A major highlight of the symposium was the "Case Studies Presentation & Panel," held on Saturday from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm ET. This panel focused on mediation structures, community involvement, and participatory sciences in safeguarding coastal cultural heritage. Moderated by Malachi Fenn from the Florida Public Archaeology Network, the panel explored the role of mediation structures and community involvement in citizen and participatory sciences.
Opening Remarks: Demonstrating Creole-Gullah Connection
A. Prince Albert III, Founder and President of Goldwater Ventures and Chairman of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Community Trust, introduced the panel at the Cultural Heritage Symposium with a meaningful introduction in Gullah, English, French, and Antillean Creole. This multilingual approach helped him connect with the diverse audience. Albert stressed the need to blend traditional knowledge with modern science to preserve cultural heritage sites in his address. He recognized the significant contributions of Afro-/Indigenous communities in preserving their cultural heritage in the Caribbean basin and the southeastern United States.
Ta de Deering Estate, tenki teni fa hab’ wi n fa bring wi history — listwa-an-nou — ta da work pon disya stage.
"Man kay komansé — nou kay komansé an kréyòl e an Gullah. Zòt-la, moun keyol, vou-la sé fwé-yo-an mwen... moun ayiti, moun madinina, moun gwada, moun gwiyan, tout moun kawayib. Zòt-la, tout moun karayib... sé fwé-an-nou, nou puep Gullah e Geechee. Et nou peup Gullah sé fwé à vou-là osi."
"I started my message in Gullah and in French Creole to make a connection to our brothers, our cousins, our family. We are family because we endured distinct but similar trauma and because we have similar hopes for a free future."
Chairman Albert highlighted the resilience of Afro/Indigenous communities in Gullahland and the French Caribbean in response to centuries of trauma. He discussed the creation of new languages, spiritual practices, social structures, and alternative economic systems. He also mentioned hybrid aquacultural and agricultural techniques and bespoke wooden boats, continuing indigenous traditions. Albert emphasized unique artistic expressions across various mediums, including visual, decorative, performance, literary, and digital arts, to convey collective emotions -- love, despair, hope, and dreams.
In conclusion, Albert stressed Goldwater Ventures' mission to promote traditional lifeways and the importance of legal frameworks and community engagement in preserving cultural heritage by the sea and under it:
I am happy to talk about the local, state, federal, and international legal regimes we can utilize to empower our Afro/Indigenous communities like Creole communities and Gullah communities alike. We cannot save our cultural heritage by the sea and under it unless we engage with trusted community leaders and community members."
Afro/Indigenous Links Excavated at Anse Belle, Martinique
In a comprehensive presentation, Dominique Rogers, PhD, and Benoit Bérard, PhD, detailed their collaborative work on preserving the Anse Belle archaeological site in Martinique. They highlighted the site's significance, comprising three distinct cemeteries: two Amerindian necropolises and an 18th-century colonial burial ground. The two Amerindian necropolises provided critical insights into the pre-Columbian history and cultural practices of the indigenous populations of Martinique. The first was linked to the Saladoid culture and dates back to the 5th and 18th centuries, while the second was associated with the Kalinago people and dates from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
The 18th-century cemetery contained the remains of enslaved individuals, free people of color, and European settlers. Some skeletons displayed distinct cultural practices, such as carved teeth linked to African heritage. Rogers and Bérard underscored the challenges posed by environmental factors and modern development, such as coastal erosion and rising sea levels. They conducted initial emergency excavations to recover and preserve the remains before they could be lost to the sea.
Key to their work was involving the local community in the preservation efforts. After the Direction of Cultural Affairs of Martinique initially planned to store the recovered remains in boxes, local residents objected and wanted to honor their ancestors by keeping them on site. This led to a community-driven effort to protect and commemorate the burial grounds. The community organized educational visits and erected memorials, including a symbolic stone representing the site's dual heritage. They also led a ceremonial procession for the reburial of the remains, respecting both scientific needs and community desires.
Bérard highlighted the interdisciplinary collaboration in their work, which combined historical research, archaeological methods, and community engagement. They developed a holistic approach to preserving Anse Belle, which protected the physical site and strengthened the local community's cultural identity and heritage.
Looking ahead, Rogers and Bérard stressed the need for ongoing community involvement and the expansion of such collaborative projects to other sites facing similar threats. They advocated for more inclusive policies that recognize the cultural value of these sites and better integration of local and indigenous knowledge into heritage preservation practices. Their joint presentation exemplified a successful model of heritage preservation that balances scientific research with community values.
Community Collaboration Model in Guadeloupe and French Bretagne
Marie-Yvane Daire, Ph.D., Research Director at CNRS and Director of the UMR CReAAH, and Elías López-Romero, Ph.D., staff scientist at the Spanish National Research Council, presented their collaborative projects, ALERT and ALOHA. These initiatives focus on the impact of climate change on coastal heritage in Brittany, France, and Guadeloupe. They highlighted the importance of citizen science and community participation in monitoring and preserving archaeological sites threatened by coastal erosion and sea-level rise.
The ALERT project, initiated 18 years ago, explores the effects of climate change on coastal archaeological sites in Brittany, France. It aims to document, study, and preserve archaeological remains threatened by coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and human activities. The project started with comprehensive assessments of coastal sites to identify those at risk. Detailed documentation was then conducted to capture the current state of these sites.
Recognizing that professional archaeologists alone could not cover the extensive coastal areas, the project involved local communities and volunteers in monitoring and documentation. This approach increased the capacity to cover larger areas and raised public awareness and engagement. The data collected was used to create vulnerability maps, highlighting the most at-risk sites. These maps serve as essential tools for decision-makers to prioritize conservation efforts.
The ALERT project also adopted an interdisciplinary approach, integrating various fields such as archaeology, geology, and environmental science, to develop a holistic understanding of the impacts on coastal heritage. This project has successfully documented numerous vulnerable sites along the Brittany coast, developed digital tools like online databases and mobile apps, and emphasized educational initiatives to foster a sense of stewardship within local communities.
The ALOHA project, launched six years ago, builds on the success of the ALERT project, addressing similar challenges in the Guadeloupe archipelago in the Caribbean. This project focuses on preserving pre-Columbian and historical archaeological sites increasingly threatened by climate change.
Like the ALERT project, ALOHA employs an interdisciplinary and participatory approach, engaging local communities, schools, and environmental groups in the preservation efforts. Detailed assessments and vulnerability mapping were conducted to identify and prioritize endangered sites in Guadeloupe. The project also emphasized raising awareness about the cultural and historical significance of coastal sites, with educational programs and public events organized to involve local residents and school children in the preservation efforts.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to the ALOHA project, limiting in-person activities and slowing down some aspects of the project. Despite these challenges, the project adapted by enhancing digital communication and remote collaboration. Funding limitations remain critical for both projects, as they primarily rely on private financial support from organizations like the Fondation de France.
Despite these challenges, the ALOHA project has achieved considerable success. It has documented 313 vulnerable sites across the Guadeloupe archipelago, established strong partnerships with local communities, and reached a broad audience with its educational initiatives.
In conclusion, both Marie-Yvane Daire and Elías López-Romero emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and community involvement in addressing the challenges posed by climate change to coastal heritage. The ALERT and ALOHA projects serve as models for combining scientific research and active public participation to develop more effective and sustainable preservation strategies. They underscored the need for continued efforts to secure funding, expand partnerships, and adapt to evolving environmental conditions to protect these invaluable cultural resources.
FPAN's Heritage Monitoring Scouts Program
Sarah E. Miller, the Regional Director for the Northeast and East Central Centers of the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), presented the Heritage Monitoring Scouts (HMS) program. This community-based stewardship initiative, led by FPAN, is designed to engage the public in monitoring and preserving archaeological sites along Florida’s coastline. The program has been developed to document the impacts of climate change, natural hazards, and human activities on cultural resources. The program's main objectives include regular site monitoring and documentation, particularly for those sites at risk due to environmental factors and development. It seeks to involve local communities, volunteers, and stakeholders in preservation efforts, fostering a sense of stewardship and awareness. It also aims to gather and analyze data on site conditions, contributing to a broader understanding of the impacts on coastal heritage and educating the public about the importance of preserving archaeological sites and their role in these efforts.
Key components of the program include site monitoring by volunteers known as Heritage Monitoring Scouts, who regularly visit archaeological sites to observe and document changes over time. The program also utilizes an open-source inventory database, Arches, funded by the Getty Conservation Institute, which allows for efficient storage and analysis of collected data. A dedicated mobile app and online platform facilitate easy reporting and data entry by volunteers, ensuring real-time updates and streamlined communication. FPAN provides comprehensive training for volunteers, including online and in-person sessions, and volunteers receive instructional materials to help them accurately assess and report site conditions. Community involvement is emphasized, with diverse community members engaged and public events organized to raise awareness about coastal heritage preservation. Education is integrated into the program's activities, collaborating with local schools and educational institutions to incorporate heritage preservation into curricula.
Since its inception in 2016, the HMS program has engaged over 1,800 volunteers and land managers across 37 counties in Florida. It has monitored 580 sites and documented changes and threats to these valuable cultural resources. Volunteers have identified 13 previously unrecorded sites, and detailed condition assessments have been provided for monitored sites. Various educational materials have been developed and disseminated.
Looking forward, the HMS program plans to roll out a new online training course in August and aims to strengthen partnerships with other organizations and communities. Efforts are underway to secure stable funding and resources to ensure the program's continued success and growth. HMS will also continue to advocate for policies that recognize and protect subsistence fishing and other traditional practices integral to coastal heritage. The Heritage Monitoring Scouts program represents a successful model of community-based stewardship, demonstrating the power of public involvement in preserving cultural heritage. The program's future plans to expand training, enhance collaboration, and advocate for protective policies ensure that it will continue to play a vital role in heritage preservation.
Gullah/Geechee Nation's Efforts to Preserve Cultural Heritage.
Representative Glenda Simmons-Jenkins, the Executive Director of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Community Trust, Inc., presented on the unique cultural and spiritual connection of the Gullah/Geechee people to the sea at the Cultural Heritage Symposium. She began her presentation by singing a traditional hymn, "Take Me to the Water," to honor her Gullah/Geechee ancestors and requested a moment of silence to remember their enduring legacy. Simmons-Jenkins questioned why cultural value is often excluded from the primary priorities of cultural resource management, which typically focus on scientific value, uniqueness, and national importance. She argued for an equal recognition of cultural value as it encompasses the intangible and immeasurable aspects of heritage that connect communities to their history and identity.
She further emphasized that the Gullah/Geechee people themselves are living cultural resources, deeply connected to their natural environment. Managing these cultural resources requires a stewardship approach that respects and protects the community's cultural practices and environmental connections. Simmons-Jenkins described the ocean as a sacred resource for the Gullah/Geechee people, contributing to their survival and subsistence. The ocean holds spiritual significance as it entombs ancestors lost during the Middle Passage of the transatlantic slave trade.
She also highlighted the threats to Gullah/Geechee cultural heritage from modern development, such as private boat ramps, private beaches, and restricted access to traditional fishing grounds. These threats limit the community's ability to practice traditional subsistence activities such as oyster harvesting and fishing. Simmons-Jenkins discussed the issue of erased, hidden, and forgotten Gullah/Geechee burial grounds, which often have been devalued and desecrated to make way for modern development, leading to a loss of cultural heritage and historical memory.
Simmons-Jenkins praised the partnership with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), particularly with Regional Director Sarah Miller. FPAN has prioritized Gullah/Geechee cultural priorities using their resources to locate, document, and protect cultural resources, including burial grounds. This collaboration has involved local community elders and representatives, ensuring that Gullah/Geechee cultural goals are advanced alongside archaeological and scientific research.
One of the ongoing projects involves locating a hidden burial ground to determine whether the ancestors are buried within the designated area or if some burials were desecrated for modern infrastructure purposes. This project exemplifies the ongoing efforts to protect and honor Gullah/Geechee cultural heritage. Simmons-Jenkins also highlighted the spiritual connection to the Blake Plateau, an enormous maritime ecosystem along the Gullah/Geechee Nation, emphasizing its importance as a sacred space, linking the community's cultural heritage to the spiritual powers of the ocean and the ancestors who crossed it.
In conclusion, Simmons-Jenkins reiterated the need to recognize and protect the cultural value of coastal heritage sites. She called for continued collaboration between cultural communities and scientific researchers to ensure these sites' full history and significance are acknowledged and preserved. Her presentation underscored the importance of integrating cultural values into resource management practices, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable approach to heritage preservation. Her emphasis on community involvement and collaboration with organizations like FPAN showcased a successful model for protecting and honoring cultural heritage.
Goldwater's Final Thoughts
Prince Albert III concluded the session by reiterating the need for legal frameworks that empower Afro-/Indigenous communities to protect their cultural heritage. He praised the symposium for fostering dialogue between scientists, community leaders, and policymakers, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches to cultural and environmental conservation.
The Cultural Heritage Symposium at the Deering Estate showcased the vital role of community involvement in safeguarding coastal heritage. The presentations underscored the need to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific research, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
Citation
Goldwater Ventures, Exploring Creole-Gullah Connections in Afro/Indigenous Coastal Archeology (June 17, 2024), https://www.goldwaterventures.info/post/exploring-french-creole-gullah-connections-in-afro-indigenous-coastal-archeology.
References
The Deering Estate, https://deeringestate.org/.
Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), https://www.fpan.us/.
Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), Heritage Monitoring Scouts Program, https://hms.fpan.us
Marie-Yvane Daire, Elias Lopez-Romero, Jean-Noël Proust, Hervé Regnauld, Soazig Pian & Benheng Shi, Coastal Changes and Cultural Heritage: Assessment of the Vulnerability of the Coastal Heritage in Western France, 7 J. ISLAND & COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGY 168 (2012), http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15564894.2011.652340.
UNESCO, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/4/.
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