Indigenous Peoples and Maroons
Suriname is home to five main Indigenous groups—Trio, Wayana, Akurio, Kaliña, and Lokono—as well as several smaller Indigenous ethnic groups. The country is also home to six Maroon tribal groups: Ndyuka, Saamaka, Paamaka, Matawai, Kwinti, and Aluku. While acculturation has occurred over time, Suriname's Indigenous and Maroon groups remain deeply connected to their traditional lands, speak their own languages, and uphold distinct cultures, customs, and belief systems that set them apart from broader Surinamese society.
Much of our work takes place in Indigenous and Maroon communities in Suriname’s interior, working closely with the people and their traditional leaders. Some of our previous projects include:
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Brazil Nut Project Evaluation – Assessed a conservation initiative with the Trio Indigenous community in Alalapadu (Conservation International).
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Education in the Interior – Evaluated educational challenges in remote areas (UNICEF).
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Participatory Ocean Governance Analysis – Conducted a gap analysis on Indigenous Peoples and gender issues in Guyana and Suriname (WWF).
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Desk Studies on Indigenous Peoples and Maroons – Researched communities in French Guiana (Newmont Suriname)