Saramaka
The Saramaka, Saamaka or Saramacca are one of six Maroon peoples (formerly called "Bush Negroes") in the Republic of Suriname and one of the Maroon peoples in French Guiana. In 2007, the Saramaka won a ruling by the Inter-American Court for Human Rights supporting their land rights in Suriname for lands they have historically occupied, over national government claims. It was a landmark decision for indigenous peoples in the world. They have received compensation for damages and control this fund for their own development goals.
Saramaka man, photo c.1910, from Sir Harry H. Johnson's The Negro in the New World | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 90,000 (2013, est.) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Tribal (Boven Suriname & Brokopondo) | 28,500 |
| Paramaribo & suburbs | 29,000 |
| French Guiana | 25,000 |
| Netherlands | 7,500 |
| Languages | |
| Saramaccan | |
| Religion | |
| Saramaka religion, Christianity: Moravian, Catholic, Evangelical | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Matawai, Kwinti | |
| Granman of the Saramaka people | |
|---|---|
Incumbent Albert Aboikoni since 2018 | |
| Residence | Asindoopo |
The word "Maroon" comes from the Spanish cimarrón, which was derived from an Arawakan root. Since 1990 especially, some of the Saramaka have migrated to French Guiana due to extended civil war in Suriname. By the early 16th century, the term "maroon" (cimarron) was used throughout the Americas to designate slaves who had escaped from slavery and set up independent communities beyond colonists' control.