will be lost . Our way of life needs to live on , our building styles too - it is like no other community on the island .”
The Creole culture is the most dominant in Dominica but the Chief hopes to awaken a passion for Kalinago culture in children at the primary school level in the Territory . To that end , one of the activities introduced by the Cultural Officer has been one that encourages students to create their own concept of what their unique Kalinago national wear should look like , incorporating yellow and white which are the colours of the Kalinago people . White represents purity and yellow represents the sun . This activity was well received by the students and their results were showcased to the public with the Prime Minister in attendance ! There are currently five primary schools in the Territory , but no secondary schools . Students attend high schools outside of the community .
A week of activities dedicated to the Kalinago and well-supported by the general Dominican public is held annually in September . During this Kalinago Week , their yellow and white colours , national and traditional garments are worn with pride . For five days , the community becomes a hive of activity , with the following events taking place each year :
Day 1 : Language Symposium
Day 2 : Homage is paid to their heroes at the spot where an uprising took place in the 1930 ’ s , during which two Kalinagos were killed by police officers
Day 3 : A Queen Show is hosted , showcasing different types of traditional wear
Day 4 : A food bonanza
Day 5 : A big festival ends the week of activities
Although the Kalinagos are fully integrated into Dominican society , the Chief shared that the Kalinago people were once treated with derision and called names . However , things have changed , which is in part attributable to the youths who have begun to publicly embrace their culture .
“ I am Kalinago ,” Chief Sanford said . “ I have to embrace my culture . You have your own culture , embrace it , but do not look down on mine .”
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