Marieke Heemskerk
Since conducting my first research in Suriname in 1996, I have been captivated by the country’s vibrant cultures, breathtaking nature, and welcoming people. At the time, I was still a PhD student, traveling to Sella Creek, Drietabiki, and Moitaki. That initial visit set the stage for a year-long stay in the interior, where I interviewed gold miners and others about the driving forces behind small-scale gold mining. During this time, with the help, patience, and kindness of many Surinamese individuals in both the city and the forest, I began learning Sranantongo and Ndyuka, along with gaining insight into life and work in the country’s interior. Each visit, however, reminds me that there is always so much more to understand.
After earning my PhD from the University of Florida in 2000, I made the decision to move to Suriname in 2003. There, I began working as a consultant in the country’s small-scale gold mining areas, which at the time felt far more remote—often lacking phone or internet access and challenging to reach. In addition to my work in Suriname, I have had the opportunity to carry out small-scale mining projects in other countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Mongolia, French Guiana, and Colombia.
Between 2006 and 2009, I balanced my consultancy work with part-time work as the Cultural Coordinator for the Amazon Conservation Team. This role took me to the southern Trio and Wayana communities, where I learned about the unique cultures, working lives, and challenges of these remarkable highland Indigenous peoples. Over the years, I’ve returned to the Trio and Wayana communities on various assignments, primarily focused on education and health.
In recent years, my consulting work has expanded beyond small-scale mining, allowing me to take on a variety of projects in Suriname related to health, education, and rural development. What I find most rewarding about this work is the opportunity to speak with and learn from people who often remain unseen by society, yet have vital stories to share. These include illegal migrants, sex workers, artisanal fishers, artisanal gold miners, child workers, victims of domestic violence, and both children and adults from Maroon and Indigenous communities.
​Over the past few decades, Suriname has seen significant developments in the oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure sectors. Many of these projects require Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), which allow affected communities to voice their opinions and concerns. These assessments aim to minimize the negative impacts of projects while maximizing their benefits. I have had the privilege of serving as a social expert on numerous ESIA teams, contributing to these essential processes.
