The Kalinago community of 2,700 is a Nation within Dominica and a Kalinago Act governs the Territory . The Council exists to protect their land , its resources and people . The Chief and his Councilors are guardians of that land which is communal and can only be transferred to a person of Kalinago heritage .
The small area in which the Kalinago now live consists of eight communities . In the past , each of these communities were separated by a river or small stream . The rivers and the trees around it provided food and they were very protective of their catchment areas . Today , only two main streams remain and with global warming , the Chief believes even those two are now at risk .
Agriculture , fishing and handicraft are very important to this community . Craft is tied to their tourism industry which is being severely affected by Covid-19 . With the reduction in visitors , craft-making has also decreased resulting in hardship for people whose livelihood is dependent on the sale of their craft . Handicraft has always been significant because it is one of the main revenue generators for a large percentage of the community . Products are all made from the plants and natural resources that live around them - there is no waste , or pollution . Their intricate craft-making skill is traditional , passed down through the generations as taught by their ancestors . The Kalinago are one with nature and their lifestyle embraces and reflects this concept .
Although the community is heavily dependent on tourism , they have identified that agriculture must now be the area of focus . With the help of the Ministry of the Blue & Green Economy of Dominica , they are being equipped to become more sustainable . Organic farming has been ramped up and with Government assistance , the Kalinago men and women farmers and concentrating on growing more food , most of which are consumed by their people , but some are also sold outside of the Territory .
The Kalinago wisely plant root crops . When hurricanes or tropical storms blow through Dominica , the above-ground crops get washed away but whatever is underneath the soil remains , ensuring that the people will always have food , and they share . The Territory was built on ‘ codmeir ’ which means voluntary service . The Kalinagos all help each other and they live in unity . One of the main root crops grown by many is cassava which is very unique to their culture . It is used to make a variety of products including bread , biscuit and also wine . Some of their products were once exported . This was halted for a while but exports to Caribbean islands are currently being explored .
Farming , fishing , legends , myths , codmeir and being one with nature are some of the things central to the Kalinago way of life , but without the involvement of the young generation these are at risk of disappearing into just a mere memory . A Kalinago Cultural Officer was therefore assigned to the district . Via the Strong Bodies , Strong Minds after school program , children are being taught Kalinago arts and craft , creative , cultural dances and the Kalinago language , which they have just started to incorporate in the schools . This is of extreme importance . The Chief explained , “ 18-25-year olds are being influenced by non-Kalinago culture . Our culture needs to be embraced by our young people , or it
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