For the Ijaw people, culture is not a museum exhibit. It is a living, breathing identity carried in our languages, our food, our music, our stories, and our values. But preserving that identity in a foreign land requires intention, structure, and community effort.

INC-USA’s Cultural Preservation program addresses this challenge through four key initiatives:

1. Language Classes — We offer instruction in Ijaw languages including Izon, Nembe, and Kolokuma for both children and adults. Language is the foundation of cultural identity, and we’re committed to ensuring the next generation can speak and understand their mother tongue.

2. Annual Ijaw Day — Our flagship cultural event brings together hundreds of Ijaw families for a day of traditional performances, authentic cuisine, cultural exhibitions, and community fellowship.

3. Heritage Workshops — Regular sessions on Ijaw history, traditional practices, and cultural arts help community members deepen their connection to their roots.

4. Cultural Exhibitions — We curate presentations of Ijaw art, music, and storytelling at community venues and universities, sharing our heritage with the broader American public.

Culture doesn’t preserve itself. It takes a community. Learn more about our programs.