Information submitted by The Kalinago Territory
The Kalinago people are the first people of the Eastern Caribbean preferably referred to as the Caribbean indigenous people. According to archeological findings, evidence support that they have been occupying the Caribbean archipelago for more than six thousand years.
The Kalinago Territory is located on the East North eastern belt of the island of Ouitoucoubouli( Dominica) in an area popularly known as the( Carib) Kalinago Territory.
Approximately 20 % of the national population of Dominica are either Kalinago or have the Kalinago bloodline flowing through their veins. Presently the population of the Kalinago Territory is estimated to be in the region of 4000. They live under semi-autonomous conditions since they have, what is described as a Carib Act part of the laws of Dominica. The Kalinago People continue to build their traditional canoes, weave their handicrafts and constantly fish and farming but do very little hunting.
Through the advent of television, computers, internet, and road communication there is a very serious threat that is constantly affecting the Kalinago People especially the Kalinago women who, through none Kalinago partners, are rapidly changing the race of the people and from the government’ s stand point there is a level of forced integration.
What is unique about the Kalinago culture is that they continue to use their arts, crafts, cuisine and traditional way of life as a means of their economic sustenance for our livelihood. They continue to maintain their indigenous ethnicity so as to maintain their cultural identity.
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