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Maroons are descendents of that part of the African people that were forcibly transported to Suriname in the 17th and 18th century for working on the coffee-, sugar- and cotton plantations, but who refused to accept slavery.

From the first, forcibly arrival of the forebears from Africa in Suriname, some of them decide not to wait humble the freedom that maybe come about 200 years later. They therefore through off the injustice authority of the white ‘masters’ by withdrew into the green jungle. As soon as other Africans that were brought to slavery follow their example to the jungle, they founded six politically autonomous Maroon nations: Ndyuka or Okanisi, Saamaka, Pamaka, Matawai, Aluku or Boni and Kwiinti, each with an ordered structure based on those of their African heritage.

The Maroons, in the 17th and 18th century, successfully waged an intensive and well-organized guerrilla campaign against the Dutch colonial authority and their mercenaries. As early as 1760, over 103 years before the total abolition of slavery in Suriname, the colonial authority was forcibly to recognize the Maroons as free nations and to sign peace treaties with them (Ndyuka on October 10, 1760; Saamaka on September 19, 1762, Matawai in 1767 and Aluku in 1860).

Although the two other Maroon groups, Pamaka and Kwiinti, did not sign peace treaties with them, the Dutch colonial authority recognized also their freedom as nations.

The importancy of Sabanapeti Foundation in Utrecht

A lack of economic opportunities induced many Maroons to migrate to the capital of Suriname, Paramaribo, to parts of French Guiana and to the Netherlands. Sabanapeti Foundation has become a rallying point for Maroons in the diaspora. Located strategically in the city of Utrecht, in the center of the Netherlands, the organization is a focus for cultural activities. For example, the annually Mitimakandii Dei (Get-together Day) of Sabanapeti Foundation for the friends of Sabanapeti and guests, takes place at least once a year. On the first Saturday of October, the annual commemoration of the peace treaty with the Maroons, de Dag van de Marrons, takes place. Twice a year, Siboga, the leading journal about the Maroons, features contributions on cultural developments on both sides of the Atlantic , and broaches discussions on contemporary issues affecting Maroons.