The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica, in partnership with the Division of Culture, will host the 13th Annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture this week, placing traditional Dominican craftsmanship at the centre of public attention.
The lecture, announced by UWI in a press release, forms part of an ongoing series honouring the legacy of E.O. LeBlanc, a figure whose name is attached to this long-running academic and cultural event. The annual memorial lecture has become a fixture on Dominica's cultural calendar, bringing together scholars, cultural practitioners and members of the public.
This year's focus on traditional crafts highlights an area of Dominican heritage that spans generations, from basket weaving and pottery to wood carving and other handmade disciplines practised across the island. The Division of Culture's involvement underscores the event's role in documenting and promoting skills that have been passed down through families and communities.
Details of the lecture programme, including speakers and the venue, were not fully outlined in the initial announcement. The UWI said further information would be made available through its official channels.
The E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture series has previously addressed themes of significance to Dominica's social and cultural development, and the choice of traditional crafts for the 13th edition reflects a continuing emphasis on indigenous knowledge and local artistry.
Traditional crafts remain an important part of Dominica's cultural identity, particularly in rural communities and the Kalinago Territory, where artisans continue to produce work using methods inherited from earlier generations. These crafts also contribute to the island's cultural tourism offering, attracting visitors interested in authentic local experiences.
The lecture is expected to draw participants from across Dominica, including students, educators, artisans and cultural advocates. Organisers have encouraged the public to attend and engage with the subject matter.
Further announcements regarding the event's schedule and content are anticipated from UWI Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture in the coming days.
2
