Suriname’s literary community gathers annually to commemorate the enduring legacy of Henri Frans de Ziel, widely known by his pen name Trefossa, whose profound contributions continue to shape the nation’s cultural consciousness. The Henri Frans de Ziel Foundation’s yearly Trefossa Evening, established in 2009, serves as a pivotal platform for examining Surinamese literary traditions while exploring themes of national identity, cultural development, and nation-building.
This year’s 17th edition, scheduled for January 15th—coinciding with Trefossa’s birthday—features a keynote address by National Archivist Rita Tjien Fooh-Hardjomohamad. Her lecture, titled “Documentary Heritage as a Mirror of Surinamese Society,” examines how archival materials and historical documents function as both preservers of collective memory and foundations for national identity.
In the spirit of Trefossa’s pioneering work, the presentation investigates how historical records enable Surinamese society to recognize, comprehend, and appreciate its multifaceted identity. The lecture encourages deep reflection on self-awareness and the continuous dialogue between past, present, and future. The event, sponsored by Self Reliance Insurance, stands as a lasting tribute to the distinguished Surinamese writer and his dedication to developing the nation’s language and literature.