As part of a broader cultural preservation project, IAMGOLD recently made a donation to Burkina Faso’s National Museum. The funding has helped build the museum’s Fulani people gallery, one of the country’s 11 main ethnic groups. The overall project aims to showcase Burkina’s wide ethnic diversity and protect its cultural heritage by recreating a village consisting of each ethnic group’s traditional dwelling. Each dwelling has been recreated using traditional methods and components to preserve their authenticity.  

The Fulani people are known to be one of the largest ethnic groups in the Sahel and West Africa, where IAMGOLD operates its Essakane mine.  

“We’re very proud to be part of this project. Wherever we operate, we are committed to building strong relationships with our host communities. We strive to foster economic growth, improve access to health and education, and invest in sport and cultural projects such as this,” said Oumar Toguyeni, Senior Vice President, International Affairs and Sustainability, IAMGOLD. 

Apolline Traoré, a renowned Burkinabé filmmaker, who is also the National Museum’s ambassador, is hoping that the project will help enhance the country’s social cohesion. The creation of a musical album featuring a song from each ethnic group is also in preparation and part of the broader project. 

Valérie Kaboré, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony in presence of Tidiane Barry, IAMGOLD’s Country Manager for Burkina Faso, as well as other dignitaries and representatives from other private companies that also sponsored the initiative.