Whitney Melinard

Lead Applicant for Koponoule Inc.  in, Dominica. 

Grant Description

Koponoule Inc was awarded $25,000 to implement it’s non-economic loss and damage project in Kalinago Territory in Dominica. 

This project addresses climate-induced non-economic losses in the Kalinago Territory through four interconnected initiatives: comprehensive climate education for 30 youth, women’s health knowledge circles engaging 50+ community members, structured intergenerational mentorship programs preserving traditional crafts and medicinal knowledge, and a cultural exchange to restore lost practices. Building on research that documented devastating cultural losses, the initiative combines climate science training with Indigenous rights frameworks, elder-led wellness workshops addressing climate-related trauma, and hands-on mentorship in basketry, carving, and traditional medicine. Through community-based participatory approaches, the project will equip youth with advocacy skills including Escazu Agreement implementation and digital storytelling, while creating permanent knowledge repositories and youth-led policy recommendations. The initiative culminates in a community showcase celebrating cultural resilience and intergenerational knowledge transfer, directly addressing documented threats to Indigenous heritage while building capacity for climate and social justice.

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