Dominica’s indigenous people are putting plans in place to celebrate the 110th anniversary, on July 4, of the founding of the Carib Territory, now commonly known as the Kalinago Territory.
The Kalinago’s Indigenous Nation Developers (K.I.N.D) along with Kalinago Child Support Foundation and the Kalinago Chief and Council, have put together a list of activities to celebrate the occasion and are inviting all Dominicans to support the event.
The organizers say some of the main activities include the 2nd annual traditional torch relay, traditional costume parade to Chief Jolly John’s Memorial Park, an official ceremony, community symposium, essay writing and poster painting competition and Kalinago family education and fun day.
“We extend a special invitation to all Dominicans and Kalinagos at home and abroad to come home to the Kalinago Territory to be part of our 110th anniversary celebration. We do not wish to segregate ourselves as some perceive from the misinterpretation of the term territory. On the contrary, we would like to join in unison with all our fellow Dominicans as we celebrate this milestone,” the organizers said.
In an article on his official website, local historian, Dr. Lennox Honychurch wrote, “On 26 July 1902, the Administrator of Dominica, Hesketh Bell sent a letter to his boss, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Joseph Chamberlain, in England, asking permission to establish a Carib Reserve on Dominica. This letter set in motion the establishment of what is now called the Carib Territory.”
In the Official Gazette of July 4 1903 Bell announced that the Reserve was established.
Dr. Honychurch wrote, “the portion of land now occupied by the Carib Territory was delineated on a plan drawn up by Arthur P. Skeate in 1901 acting under the Crown Surveyor, William Miller, on the orders of Hesketh Bell. It amounted to an area of roughly five and one-half square miles or two percent of the entire island of Dominica.”
The organizers of the activities say individuals, groups or organizations willing to support and participate in this year’s Kalinago Nation’s 110th anniversary celebration should contact the event coordinator for further details at 277-3369 or 615-0518 or (217) 364-2610 and [email protected]
It would be interesting if the Kalinago people would look at Belize. Belize is home to the a mix of Caribs and ship wrecked Africans who were sent from St. Vincent to Central America who call them selves Garifuna. One of the interesting things in my opinion is the mix of the Carib and African culture but most importantly the preservation of the Carib language which was their main language to communicate. The Garifuna language is still spoken the same way we speak creole in Dominica. The language is also taught in some primary schools in the south of Belize. The Garifuna people can also be found in Honduras. It would be very interesting if the Garifuna was looked into. For more information please click link http://ngcbelize.org/content/view/50/179/
Support and celebrate with Dominca’s original inhabitat. We should be a proud nation. Be positive in all what we say and do.
Dominican abroad.
I am definitely saying that this is a good thing, however one thing is culture and the other is making money to make life better for the family. If by being culture you can become a millionaire then no problem but if not then its not worth it. In the Kalinago we need to get involved in things that sell on the international market, maybe international music that target the foriegners, movies, books, inventions, the internet is of so much importance, these things are posible….as a matter of fact i think all Dominicans should do it since our island population cannot support any huge industry, I mean its the simple commerce rule, more people more demand for services..
Wish I could be in DA to attend.
All for each and each for All.
Of note is the fact that Dominica is the only nation in which the indigenous people have been given recognition and status.
We must add to the history that the Carib council was granted local government status by the LeBlance Administration,and title to that property was granted by the Patrick John Administration.The first carib who became a member of the House of Assembly was sponsored by the Dominica Labour Party.That the Caribbean Sea was named after the Caribs.
we want more land!! dominica belongs to us!!!!
u dotish? they chose to live there if they want they can live any where on the island they are all Dominicans.. yuh need to shut yuh dotish rass
Way to go my Kalinago People. One suggestion though please wear your costumes as is. The jeans and other clothing underneath spoils the look.
I wish you guys a good and safe celebration
What culture you talking about na bro?D/ca belonged to these people,they were forced to the most rugged and unproductive part of their own land and you checking that is embracing culture?Jah seh my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
I thought I was the only thinking this…we should celebrate the day a European requested and received permission for you to own a portion of your land?! Really?! And as displaced Africans who were torn from our land, we uphold, promote and even pride ourselves on continuing this tradition? what the hec are we teaching in history class?!
that is so nice embracing the culture