Roots of Resilience: Preserving Cultures, Languages, and Health

Chief Lorenzo Sanford will be on campus for one week, engaging with UI students, faculty, staff, and the greater Iowa City community.

This talk will explore various facets of cultural preservation, including discussing language revitalization efforts of the Kalinago language and strategies to ensure its survival and transmission to future generations.

Featured speakers:
Jeanine Abrons, clinical associate professor, UI College of Pharmacy
Laura Ell, general manager, Jungle Bay in Dominica
Lorenzo Sanford, chief of the Kalinago indigenous tribe in Dominica

This event is part of the International Programs Major Project, Sacred Threads: Spirituality, Health, and Collaborative Partnerships for Health in Indigenous Communities, which brings to campus Lorenzo Sanford, the youngest elected chief in the history of the Kalinago people in Dominica. As the last community in the Caribbean claiming direct descent from the indigenous Kalinago, this event series discusses spirituality and healing and the preservation and revitalization of the rich cultural heritage of this ancient tribe.

This Major Project provides a unique platform to celebrate Indigenous leadership, discuss spirituality and healing, cultural preservation, and strategize for community-based health solutions that foster equity and well-being. Join us in embracing the spirit of collaboration and empowerment as we work towards a healthier and more equitable future for the Kalinago Tribe and beyond.

To see a full schedule of events, go to https://international.uiowa.edu/major-project-sacred-threads

This visit is hosted by International Programs and organized by Jeanine Abrons, UI College of Pharmacy.

Through the generous support of the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization, International Programs’ Major Projects Award promotes important contributions to scholarly debates and exchanges on international topics, issues, discoveries, and arts.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Daniel Vorwerk in advance at [email protected] or 319-467-1619.