Kalinago Week 2024: Celebrating Unity in Diversity and Honouring Indigenous Heritage
Kalinago Shaman during a Naming Ceremony (Photos Credited to: Ministry of Tourism / Dominica)
Kalinago Week 2024, held from September 15 to 22, shines a spotlight on the rich history, culture, and contributions of Dominica’s Indigenous Kalinago people. This week-long celebration, themed “Unity in Diversity, Embracing Kalinago Culture,” not only honours the historical resilience of the Kalinago people but also promotes their vibrant traditions, encouraging participation from all Dominicans and visitors alike.
The event kicked off on Sunday, September 15, with a Memorial Mass at the Atkinson Catholic Church to honour Kalinago elders. This was followed by a Craft & Expo at Soutomah Park, Gaulette River, which highlighted traditional Kalinago crafts, food, music, and cultural performances, attracting a wide audience from across the island. A Traditional Mas Lapo Kabwit competition saw the Sineku Lapo Kabwit Band bring lively rhythms to the celebration, winning the top prize of XCD$1500.
President of The Commonwealth of Dominica,
Sylvanie Burton
Dressed in Dominica’s National Wear guarded by two Kalinago men (warriors)
The honoree of the year, Cultural Elder Skeet Tyson, expressed his pride in being recognized for his contributions to the Kalinago community. “For today, I feel great for being the Cultural Elder for Kalinago Week 2024 and for everything that I have done for my community, I feel good,” Tyson said, while also encouraging the youth to embrace faith and community values.
The week continued with a variety of events aimed at showcasing Kalinago culture.
The Full Moon Smoke Ceremony and the Kalinago Naming Ceremony, held on September 17, brought participants together at Barana Auté to experience a traditional Kalinago dinner and rituals under the full moon.
A special Kalinago Heritage, Language, and History Day was held on September 18, which focused on educating young Dominicans about Kalinago myths, legends, and herbal medicine. The day aimed to ensure that Kalinago knowledge is passed on to future generations, fostering a deeper understanding of their history and traditions.
Looking ahead, the week’s celebrations will culminate on National Kalinago Dress Day on September 19. Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford has encouraged Kalinagos across the globe to wear their traditional attire in commemoration of the day. “We are inviting everyone, whether you are Kalinago or have Indigenous heritage, to wear traditional Kalinago clothing on this day and celebrate with us,” she said. The day will also feature a Smoke Ceremony at the 1930 War Memorial Site in St. Cyr to commemorate the Kalinago Uprising of 1930, a pivotal moment in their history.
The excitement continues on September 21 with Kalinagos’ Got Talent, a vibrant showcase of Kalinago youth talent in music, dance, and performance, at Karina Culture Village. The week concludes with a fun-filled Sports Day at Soutomah Park on September 22, bringing together families and friends to participate in traditional games and friendly competitions.
The theme “Unity in Diversity” emphasises the importance of coming together, not just within the Kalinago Territory but across Dominica. Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Kalinago Upliftment, reflected on the significance of this year’s theme: “Unity in diversity encapsulates what we are as a unique people. Although we appear to be different from the rest of Dominica, our heritage is what truly drives our society.”
Kalinago Week 2024 invites everyone to be a part of this cultural celebration, fostering a shared appreciation for the heritage, history, and future of the Kalinago people.
