The Kalinago Community joined the international community of Indigenous Peoples to celebrate International World’s Indigenous Peoples Day on August 9th 2020. The event was celebrated at the renowned Kalinago Barana Aute. Many patrons from the wider Dominican public joined the Kalinago Community to experience an explosion of Kalinago customs, traditions, and culture.
The day was filled with activities to include cultural performances from the Karina Cultural Groups and the Petite Savanne Cultural Group. A wide range of Kalinago foods were also on display. Spiritual baths were offered while patrons got an opportunity to be given a Kaliango name and enjoy Kalinago foods.
The International theme focused on COVID-19 and Indigenous People’s Resilience. However, the Kaliango community focused on the Kalinago language, as a way of reviving a language that was once thought lost.
The formal component of the event comprised solidarity messages from the Kalinago Chief, Minister of Kalinago Upliftment Hon. Cozier Frederick, Senator Annette Sanford and Mrs. Gweneth Frederick Manager of the Kalinago Barana Aute. The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Community Development Honorable Roselyn Paul.
As we fight, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to safeguard indigenous peoples and their knowledge. The Kalinago Territory is home to a significant amount of Dominica’s biodiversity and Kalinagos can teach much about how to rebalance our relationship with nature and reduce the risk of future pandemics.
As Kalinagos we are seeking our own solutions to this pandemic. We are taking action and using traditional knowledge and practices such as voluntary isolation, and as well as preventative measures.
Once again, we have shown our capability to adapt. The Kalinago way therefore is embodied in this year’s theme of COVID-19 and Indigenous Peoples Resilience.Indigenous peoples continue to demonstrate reliance and strength in the face of the pandemic.
The event was planned and executed by the Kalinago Events Committee with support from the Kalinago Council and Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization and Kalinago Upliftment.
