Update Ik Community Cultural Heritage Project

At Kara-Tunga Foundation, we are proud to be working alongside the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund to protect the unique language and culture of the Ik community in North-East Uganda.

The Ik people possess a rich heritage facing challenges due to marginalization and displacement. Their language carries a wealth of stories and myths that guide the community and give meaning to their world. Sadly, these traditions are rarely passed to younger generations who view them as less essential in modern times.

Thanks to the Cultural Protection Fund, our project is making a difference. Here’s how:

• Assessing the challenges: Our research identified several interconnected issues impacting the Ik people. These include introduction of other religions, insecurity, high school dropout rates, a lack of teachers writing the native language and curriculum integration, and the fading of a cultural celebration.
• Preserving Ik Stories: We’ve partnered with artist to create illustrations of the Ik myths and stories in their native language. These illustrations will be used in schools and showcased at a mountain-top tourist site, ensuring their continued relevance for future generations.
• Building Trust and Understanding: Our team participated in traditional activities like cooking and beading alongside the Ik community. This fostered trust and allowed us to gain valuable insights into cultural knowledge loss and erosion.

We are currently working with community leaders to develop solutions. Our focus areas include:

• Education: We aim to address school dropout rates, promote the importance of education, and advocate for the inclusion of the Ik written language in the curriculum.
• Cultural Preservation: We plan to revitalize a cherished cultural celebration and ensure youth participation in future events.
• Economic Empowerment: We will offer capacity-building programs for young Ik members. These programs will provide training in tourism skills, beadwork, cultural experiences, and traditional knowledge like herbal medicine and cuisine. Additionally, we will establish demonstration gardens featuring indigenous crops.

By working together, the Kara-Tunga Foundation, the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, and the Ik community itself, can ensure a vibrant future for this unique culture and its traditions.

Photography: Maria Schiffer