Livecast 1: Ondrofeni Tori – Lessons from the Colonial Past and Independence

Lessons from the Colonial Past and Independence

As part of the 50th anniversary of Surinamese independence, the Untold Foundation and Pakhuis de Zwijger are developing a three-part live-stream series that explores in depth the significance and impact of Surinamese independence in relation to the city of Amsterdam.

In this first episode, we explore the complex relationship between colonialism and independence. How has colonial history shaped Suriname, and in what ways does that history continue to influence our institutions, relationships, and self-perceptions—both in Suriname and in the Netherlands? We reflect on the legacies of power, language, and identity, and ask: what does true independence look like, fifty years after Srefidensi?

Watch the full livecast:

About the Speakers

Ernestine Comvalius
Former director and co-founder of the Bijlmer Parktheater. Active since the 1970s as an activist, writer, and speaker. She opposed colonial relations, racism, and the unwelcoming reception of Surinamese people in the Netherlands. Through her artistic and social work, she continues to reflect on the meaning of independence and equality within the cultural sector.

Sherlien Sanches
Chairperson and founder of the Indigenous Knowledge Center International and a consultant at the Dutch Intangible Cultural Heritage Knowledge Center (KIEN). She is committed to preserving and restoring Indigenous culture and brings to light underrepresented perspectives on the Dutch colonial past. She strengthens cooperation between Suriname, Indonesia, and India, with the goal of promoting cultural exchange and heritage preservation.

Jessica van der Luyt
Director of Sitara Foundation, founded in 1986 by her grandmother. From an intergenerational perspective, she works to develop educational and social structures in which children and young people can find their strength in multiple identities. With projects such as THE HOUSE It strengthens communities and provides a platform for stories that celebrate in-betweenness and resilience.

Gordon Sana
Cultural entrepreneur, connector, and board member of NiNsee (National Institute for the History and Legacy of Slavery in the Netherlands). Rooted in the Maroon tradition, which centers on community-building and caring for one another. As a consultant, he works to promote inclusion, representation, and cultural resilience. His work focuses on empowerment and keeping collective memory alive.

Sharon Doelwijt
International vocalist, songwriter, drama teacher (the Doelwijt Method), visual artist, and spoken-word artist who seamlessly blends jazz, poetry, and storytelling. With a career spanning over 15 years, she draws full houses across Europe. Her expressive voice and compelling performances bring themes such as identity, freedom, visibility, and cultural connection to life. Every year, she creates her own Keti Koti program in increasingly larger venues. Sharon has previously released her first two albums, “Slowcookin’” and “Off the Record,” and is currently working on her third album, “Mirror, R.E.D. (Reason to Exhale Differently).”

This program was developed by the Untold Foundation in collaboration with Pakhuis de Zwijger and made possible by the City of Amsterdam.