Traditional Dominican craftsmanship will be in focus this week as the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture host the 13th Annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture.
The UWI said via press release said public lecture is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Alwin Bully Auditorium at UWI.
This year’s event will explore the theme “Traditional Crafts: Traces of Our Terrain,” bringing together four panellists to examine different aspects of Dominica’s traditional arts and the natural resources used to create them.
Minister for the Environment and Kalinago Upliftment, Hon. Cozier Frederick, will speak on “Raw Power: Nature and Indigenous Art.” Carol Sorhaindo will examine the use of natural materials and pigments in “Foraged & Found: the art of natural pigments & materials.”
Aisha Cruickshank will focus on traditional jewellery-making in “Adorned by the Earth: The Art of natural jewellery making,” while Reyer Raymond will present “Naturally Abled: Crafting art beyond limits.”
The discussion will be moderated by Jodie Dublin-Dangleben, a Civil and Environmental Engineer and entrepreneur.
According to Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of the UWI Global Campus Dominica, this year’s lecture theme ties in with the theme chosen for Dominica’s History Week during the country’s Independence celebrations.
“The theme of Dominica’s History Week during Independence Celebrations is reflected in the theme of the E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture,” explains Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head, UWI Global Campus Dominica. “This year, we will explore how generations of Dominican artisans, influenced by Kalinago, African and European heritage, have converted locally available materials such as wood, beads, seeds, shells, calabash, coconut, bamboo, straw, reeds, clay and natural fibers into practical, decorative and ceremonial pieces.”
The lecture series forms part of Dominica’s National Independence Calendar and is held in honour of Edward Oliver Le Blanc, the island’s first Premier.
LeBlanc had a strong interest in culture and was also known as an avid reader and poet. The annual public lecture uses cultural themes to highlight his life, work and contribution to Dominica.
This year’s programme will provide an opportunity to look at how traditional knowledge, locally sourced materials and the island’s diverse cultural influences have shaped Dominican craftsmanship across generations.
