UNESCO TEAM IN N/WEST ON SLAVE TRADE RESEARCH
A DELEGATION from the United Nations Scientific Education Commission (UNESCO) is in North Western Province to carry out a research on slave trade.
This came to light yesterday when the delegation led by Dr Charles Ndakala called on North Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu at his office.
Dr Ndakala revealed that UNESCO will soon publish a book on slave trade and other cultural practices for various tribes gathered from other districts across the country.
He said historical events documented by natives should be encouraged as opposed to total dependence on books written by foreign authors.
"And this will be done through consultations with traditional leaders, villagers and other stakeholders," Dr Ndakala said.
Speaking earlier, Mr Mubukwanu called on traditional leaders in the province to appreciate their culture by recognising and preserving the heritage sites.
He said there was need to go beyond the existing historic literature written by some western scholars and look into the possibility of documenting past historic events such as the slave trade and other cultural practices in local languages.
He said local traditional institutions should be brought on board and enhance cultural history.
"The protection of our cultural heritage is an essential part of protecting a sense of identity, a sense of who we are that underlines that the present is a link from a well-defined past to a future crafted by our actions, " Mr Mubukwanu said.
He said cultural heritage covers many things such as literature, visual, art, music, buildings, customs and rituals among others.