Dutch Colonialism, Migration and Cultural Heritage: Past and Present

Migration flows in the former Dutch colonial orbit created an intricate web connecting the Netherlands to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Some of these migrations were voluntary, others were forced; they helped to create colonial societies that were never typically Dutch, but did have Dutch characteristics. Scholars discuss these migration histories and reflect on the ways this past and its repercussions are remembered--or forgotten, or actively silenced--throughout the former colonial empire. Gert Oostindie is director of KITLV and professor of Caribbean history at Leiden University.