Government of Dominica

HON. COZIER FREDERICK HOSTS SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES AS PART OF KALINAGO WEEK

 

In recognition of Kalinago Week 2023, a delegation led by Historian and Minister of Kalinago Upliftment, Hon. Cozier Frederick conducted a school lecture series within the Kalinago Territory on September 18.

Minister Frederick was joined by Kalinago Chief Lorenzo Sanford, Members of the Kalinago Council, Cultural Officer; Prosper Paris and Miss Dominica 2023, Adicia Burton.

The school lectures commenced at the Sineku Primary School, then moved to the Salybia Primary School, Light House Christian Academy, Atkinson Primary School and Concord Primary School. The lectures focused on the history of the 1930 Kalinago Uprising and Kalinago Heritage.

During his presentation, Minister Frederick spoke of the tragedy that happened during the Kalinago Uprising and the importance of remaining thankful for the sacrifices made by the Kalinago Ancestors.

“So they came into the Kalinago Territory with guns and stuff and they were looking for things, and some people died. The police shot at some of our grandfathers and grandparents. Two people died. And it is on that day in 1930, September 19 that happened so every September 19th we try to remember that day and try to honour those people who died for the things that made us better and we try to honour and keep the culture alive because it is very important when people do good things to remember them,” Hon. Frederick stated.

Kalinago Chief, Mr. Lorenzo Sanford spoke of the objective of the school lectures in preserving the culture the children inherited from their ancestors.

“So today the idea that we have for you all, it’s making you all know that we have a very deep culture in everything that we do- in our Kalinago, indigenous culture. And it is our way of life as a people and you as young people, as you grow up you will see the difference, and learn the different things that your grandparents have done, what your grandparents have practiced. Some of them may teach it to you all, so they may- all of what they are teaching you all it’s our traditions it’s our Kalinago culture; so that you may continue to grow with that culture which is embedded in our DNA- in our blood,” the Kalinago Chief noted.

On Tuesday 19 Kalinago week continues at 10am with a Memorial Smoke Ceremony at St. Cyr and naming ceremony at the Kalinago Barana Aute at 4.pm.  Thursday 10 is recognized as Kalinago Dress Day and a Kalinago Spelling Bee will be held at the Concord Primary School. On Saturday 23, a ceremony will be held in honour of Presidential Candidate, Mrs. Sylvanie Burton from 4 pm at the Kalinago Barana Aute.

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