The 2018 Amazon Rainforest Field Experience Trip takes us to Suriname. We will immerse ourselves in the context and experience of one of the largest Suriname Maroon tribes, the Saamakans. The Saamakans are one of six Maroon tribes located in Suriname and French Guiana - descendants of people who escaped from slavery in the 17th and 18th century and set up independent communities deep in the interior of the rain forest, beyond colonist control. Their experience is a powerful reminder of the African diaspora, the role of slavery in the history of the Americas, and the continuing challenge to adapt to the influences of a globalizing economy. The Saamakan Maroon culture, trapped in a time warp that is ancient to ours, is a paradigm case standing in for other diverse tribal cultures and offers lessons to everyone when learning to effectively work across ‘different’ as well as ‘similar‘ cultural orientations and histories.

Against this backdrop, we will learn first-hand about:

Creating and sustaining a unifying identity and culture that draws from a variety of (sub-Saharan) West African traditions 
Dynamics of change that impact the cultural and identity development of village communities 
Leadership challenges and opportunities associated with balancing tradition and modern influences (medicine, schooling, religion, economic development) 

Aligning opportunities for economic development with natural and social resourcesIn this intensive, experiential learning experience, participants will build an anthropological perspective and ethnographic skill set that is imminently transferrable and enriches our personal and professional development. 

https://youtu.be/zOLtBHvniJ0
 
Brief Description of Program

In this intensive, experiential learning opportunity, participants will build an anthropological perspective and ethnographic skill set that is imminently transferrable to everyday life where diverse workplaces are recognized and celebrated.  It is meant to enrich everyone’s personal and professional development.   Inclusive behaviors and cultural competency lays as the foundation for the experience, for both the host culture and visiting culture(s).
 

Awarradam island is located near the rapid with the same name, approx. 225 km from Paramaribo. The local people pronounce the name as ‘Awaadan’. ‘Awaa’ (Awara) is an orange-colored palm fruit and ‘dan’ (dang) means rapid. Awarradam lies in the Gran Rio River which merges with the Pikin Rio River, 30 km upstream. At this point the Upper Suriname River begins, flowing out into Brokopondo hydro lake, 75 km upstream. The water level in the dry season can almost be 6 meters lower than in the rainy season! The airplane takes you to Kajana in 50 minutes. The remaining 10 km are continued by dug-out canoe. Awarradam lies at approx. 20 minutes by boat, south of the last village in the area. Your journey from Paramaribo to Awarradam will take only an hour and a half to reach such a remote destination. 
*Note:  Awarradam Tour:  Included in the jungle portion of the trip:   Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Juice or lemonade are served during the meals, coffee/tea room service in the morning. Coffee and tea are available at the lounge throughout the day. The trips as included in the standard program. A professionally trained, English speaking tour guide, of indigenous descent. Overnight stay in the lodges is based on double occupancy. Do you want a single room? This is possible subject to the availability of rooms and payment of a single supplement at your booking. 
Not included in the tour are Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (e.g., Coca-Cola, etc.) which are available at the bar. Other personal expenses such as purchase of souvenirs, extra activities, if desired, and jungle spa treatment.