In 2001, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed the traditional language, dance and music of the Garifuna a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Without the preservation of the traditional Garifuna, history, cultural heritage, and language, and without the preservation of traditional Garifuna entrepreneurship skills of furniture-making, fishing, sewing, agriculture, arts and craft, and the oral tradition of passing down stories, beliefs and concepts from one generation to the next, the Garifuna culture heritage and language could be forever lost. In lieu of the UNESCO mandate, the GAMAE Arts Division is seeking to preserve all the traditions of the Garifuna people, also known as the Garinagu.
