The Proud Kalinago of Dominica

The Kalinago, previously known as the Caribs, are a proudly independent group of people who emigrated from South America to the Caribbean islands around the 13th century. Their skills as boat builders and sailors helped them expand their territory so that by the time the Spanish arrived two centuries later, they were the dominant culture on the islands. Today, most of the remaining 3,500 or so Kalinago live in Kalinago Territory, an autonomous region on the rugged eastern coast of Dominica. Fortunately, certain elements remained very strong, including basket weaving, cassava processing and canoe-building. Canoes have been a bedrock of the Kalinago culture since their ancestors left the Orinoco River Delta in South America 800 years ago. Through the concept of a living museum, the Kalinago Cultural Village by the Sea has created direct and indirect economic opportunities for the people, including employment for the Kalinago youth that enables them to showcase their traditions.