Unless we know where we have come from we will not understand what is within us and looking for expression. We receive our natural and cultural heritage from our ancestors and all those who have lived before us. This heritage can be comprised of sacred teachings of life as well as opportunities for learning and healing. Not everything that is part of our heritage is necessarily enjoyable. Deep wounds have also been passed on to the future generations. Knowing our heritage and learning about the heritage of others is a powerful way to learn about what it means to be human and the lessons that we each encounter, and share.

Since 2007 ELIA has worked in Mauritius to preserve and document the natural and cultural heritage of the people in Mauritius whose life evolved around and were affected by the days of slavery in and around le Morne Mountain. Many years after slavery had been abolished its practices still continued in Mauritius. The many years of slavery has left deep wounds and cleavages that can still be felt in today’s society. ELIA has worked with local communities and leadership to document the stories of those affected by slavery and of those who fought against it. To address and stop injustice resulting from those days, ELIA has also worked on legal issues concerning landownership in Mauritius and providing advise with regards to people’s rights and opportunities. We are very pleased that le Morne Mountain has now become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From left to right: An Elder sharing the history of an important slave village ‘Macaque’; Le Morne Mountain as seen from the public beach; interview with a local fisherman about the sacredness of Le Morne; the south side of Le Morne.