Kalinago Community - Dominica

Dominica is a beautiful island located in the Caribbean. Dominica is a country that focuses on sustainability and ecological positive initiatives that ensure the island has a clean environment. MDP student Leslie Kirkness completed his practicum in Dominica, with the invitation from former Chief of the Kalinago people Irvince Auguste. Leslie’s primary focus consisted of three subjects: Disaster Management, Indigenous Governance, and cross-cultural exchanges.

Leslie had the privilege of participating in meetings with community leaders who oversee their disaster management preparedness within their own Hamlets. Disaster management has become an essential topic for all Dominicans as hurricanes are prevalent from June to October of each year, and being an island that has active volcanoes, experienced earthquakes, and is surrounded by water, preparedness is essential for the Dominican people, and incorporating an Indigenous perspective for the Kalinago people is critical to maintaining Indigenous resilience.

Leslie's work in Indigenous governance was important for understanding how the Kalinago people self-govern for their interests and tackle issues in their communities and their culture. Leslie had the privilege of meeting with the Chief and Council of the Kalinago people. The Kalinago community was open and accepting of Leslie. He had many experiences with the Indigenous people in Dominica who had taught him, whether they knew it or not, about how they live and maintain their traditions.

Lastly, the cross-cultural exchanges that occurred between Leslie and the Kalinago people were essential for understanding how Indigenous people in the Caribbean and Canada have similar yet vastly different ongoing systemic issues that have been brought on through colonization. The cross-cultural exchanges were essential to building a strong relationship between the two Indigenous peoples and to learn from each other.

Leslie enjoyed his time in Dominica and appreciates the invitation from Irvince, the Kalinago Chief and Council, as well as the Disaster preparedness committees, and to the many individuals who had invited him into their lives and homes and shared amazing experiences and laughter.