The colonial slavery past of the Netherlands and its impact have had a profound effect
on various countries worldwide. Nevertheless, the knowledge available about this
joint slavery past has been written primarily from a colonial perspective. In order to
enhance this perspective, Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf (Education, Culture and Science)
is launching a global scientific cooperation program on this theme in Aruba today. He
announced this today during a knowledge mission in the Caribbean.
Dijkgraaf: “More scientific knowledge of our shared past is of vital importance. In this context,
it is essential that research can be carried out from new angles, at the locations where
slavery took place. The knowledge this produces will be of great value in gaining a better
understanding of our shared history. I am delighted that I can launch this research program
during the Slavery Past Memorial Year.”
Kick-off in the Caribbean
Dijkgraaf wants to promote knowledge cooperation about the slavery past among
universities worldwide, starting within our own Kingdom. He has set aside €375,000 for
research in Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten up to and including 2027. This will enable local
scientists to research the slavery past in these countries.
Research into this theme will also be facilitated in the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba
and St. Eustatius). There is a separate budget for this.
Common thread worldwide
The Netherlands also has deep ties with Suriname, Indonesia and South Africa because of a
shared slavery past. In these countries, many enslaved people were traded or shipped
elsewhere by the Dutch.
The historical and present-day context differs from one country to another. Bringing the
various perspectives together will create great added value for a better understanding of our
joint history. This is why Dijkgraaf, together with Suriname, Indonesia and South Africa,
wants to stimulate scientific research into the slavery past in these countries as well. The
idea for this arose during knowledge missions to these countries, where Dijkgraaf spoke with
several scientists who research the slavery past. The plan is to structure the scientific
cooperation along similar lines as in the Caribbean part of our Kingdom.
The first talks with these countries have been positive. There is profound consensus about
the importance of scientific cooperation.
Knowledge sharing
Sharing knowledge is a key premise of the global research program. The form this will take
is currently being worked out. Initial ideas include the creation of a research network,
travelling exhibitions, a book, or opening and closing conferences. Dutch scientists will also
have a role in this process. This will be given further shape later this year.
Greater scope for multiple perspectives in education and research
Last year, State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen announced during the Tula
commemoration in Curaçao that the government would establish a chair on the slavery past
for Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten. Dijkgraaf is now giving substance to this as part of the
scientific cooperation program, in the form of an international chair on the impact of the
slavery past. In addition, the government has already announced the Tula scholarship,
named after the leader of the large-scale uprising of enslaved people in Curaçao of 1795.
Each year, this scholarship enables one student from Curaçao to follow a full-time bachelor’s
program in history teaching at a university of applied sciences of their choice. This will create
greater scope for multiple perspectives in education and research.