Living Archives of Coastal Lineage

Our language is not a relic; it is a living heritage.

The vision of this maiden social and cultural association is to promote our rich social cohesion amongst the people of the Sawa regions of Cameroon.To learn more about and promote the cultural norms and values that we share commonly and to secure and promote the Sawa identity amongst a sea of cultures.

While we find ourselves surrounded by other cultures, we hope and intend to keep and promote our identity as a people and not to get complacent and assimilated into strange cultural norms that are not truly us.

To this end, we would endeavor to promote our Sawa cultural heritage through:

• Its music: Ambas Bay, Makossa, etc.,

• Its traditional dances: Essewe, Assiko, Oroko dance, etc.,

• Its cultural attire: Sanja and white shirts for the men and kaba for the women.

It’s multiple Languages. Etc.

• Its festive ceremonies: Ngondo, traditional marriages, born houses, death celebratiWe would also seek to practice the Sawa peoples’ tradition of mourning their dead from burying their dead, to visiting the deceased grave after a period of 9 days (télè la songō) and the removal of the black cloth after 12 months of mourning.

Deep Dives into Sawa Culture

Explore key aspects of our heritage, from ancient traditions to contemporary diaspora experiences.

SAWA IDENTITY & HERITAGE

Maritime Philosophy

Diaspora Stories

Sawa Cultural norms and values we aim to promote:

• We are a people from the coastal regions of Cameroon. Our heritage is from our forefathers who were water people – fishermen, and lovers of Arts & Crafts, and Dance, and along the way, enjoyed good food and good company.

• The New England Sawa Social and Cultural Association will promote and showcase the above-mentioned identity and heritage as a people in the diaspora through cultural events and musical concerts.

• Sawa NE would promote our unique use of arts and crafts from the coastal regions.

• Sawa NE would promote its diverse gastronomy options to its neighbors.

• Sawa NE would promote its religious beliefs as a people (we are a people that believe in one God).

• Sawa NE would endeavor to promote cultural diversity, peace, and integration with people from other cultural regions. (Inclusion, non-discrimination, and assimilation has always been the strength of the Sawa people).

• Sawa NE would promote its cultural attire and outfits through fairs and exhibitions.

• Sawa NE would seek to promote its cultural celebration of Ngondo.

NGONDO FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS:

During the Ngongo festival, (feast), month, we can have a friendly dance competition of the various Sawa dance groups. We would have games, beauty competitions, church service, a carnival of activities. During this Ngondo festival we will promote and talk about our cultural heritage such as: our rich variety of music, musical instruments, dance, such as Ambassy Bay, Essewe, Makossa, Assiko, Oroko dance, bottle dance, highlife, etc. and their rich historical origins. We would also have seminars and workshops on the above to educate ourselves and others about the origins of our rich cultural heritage and identity.

Health:

Sawa NE would promote good health, good hygiene, and proper sanitization amongst its members including our children. To this end, we would have invited speakers and panel discussions to help educate us on these pertinent matters of health.

Social discuss on cultural and the political state of Cameroon: During the Ngondo festival month, we would have discussions on the social, cultural, and political state of our beloved country, Cameroon, and probably arrive at some conclusion on how we can best support our people and promote reconstructive reconciliation and peace in our cumulative and collective interests for our people from a social standpoint.

Promotion of Local Sawa talent: Sawa NE would encourage the promotion of local talent and creativity by its members and even its children through group sports, public speaking, theatre, and many more. (details (period, time/day etc.) will be determined by group members). We would create a time capsule for future generations. (details will be determined by group members).

PROJECTS AND FUTURE PLANS:

Creation and establishment of a Sawa Cultural Center: Sawa NE will work towards the creation and establishment of a cultural center to promote its cultural and social activities amongst its members and ultimately, to serve the Cameroonian community in the diaspora by preserving its artifacts.

Education and Intercultural day: Sawa NE will spearhead the education of its members and children and at the same time, promote an inter-cultural day with our sister cultures around us for the sake of promoting a peaceful co-existence with other cultural communities.

Values to Promote:

Sawa NE will promote civic duty within its ranks and also train and assist new African immigrants to adjust and settle in the American culture-society.

Sawa NE will promote harmony between (amongst) its members.

Sawa NE will encourage peace, love, support, and celebration of its members.

Sawa NE will promote honesty in our dealings with one another, we will promote togetherness, respect, and commit to a common cause for the betterment of the association and the well-being of our members.

Sense of Belonging: Sawa NE will seek to promote a sense of belonging amongst the Sawa people.

Generate a Common Interest:

Sawa NE will endeavor to generate a common interest in our shared heritage by showcasing our common pride around our cultural practices, such as language, cuisine, regalia, dance etc.

Sawa NE will promote our paysans in their business endeavors if necessary.

Sawa NE will promote and support professionalism amongst its members.

Sawa NE will organize cultural activities for fund raising once a year. (members will determine the period of year for this event).

Social Support:

Sawa NE will promote earth day by volunteering to partner with other like-minded organizations to support community activities such as cleaning by promoting healthy and clean neighborhoods where we live.

Sawa NE members will assist and support its members in cash and in-kind during life events: good or bad. A sinking fund will be created for this purpose.

Sawa NE members who so choses may be members of a social fund called Njangi (rules of this fund will be determined by its members).

Personal narratives and oral histories from the Duala Sawa community in New England, celebrating resilience and connection.