Culture

Dominica is home to a wide range of people. Historically occupied by several native tribes, only a Carib tribe remained by the time European settlers reached the island. French and British settlers each claimed the island, and imported slaves from Africa.

Amerindians

The first settlers on the island arrived to the Commonwealth of Dominica about 400 BC, when the Arawaks, a group of peaceful hunter-gatherers, established villages after island-hopping across the Eastern-Caribbean. The more aggressive hunter-gatherers, the Carib Indians (both descendants of the Ciboney tribe), annihilated the Arawaks and took hold of the island. Most native Caribbean people on other Caribbean islands were mostly killed by European colonists. The local Dominican Caribbean natives were able to hide in areas which were hard for European soldiers to find. The English Queen granted a 3,700 acre territory in east coast of Dominica for the native Caribbeans in 1903. Today, there are only 3,000 Caribs remaining; they live in eight villages, and they elect their own chief.

On the east side of the island, the descendants of the Carib Indians continued to practise their time-honoured culture and crafts of canoe building and basket weaving. Their society, however, has developed and modernised. The Amerindians' influence remains on the island through their artefacts and the sounds of modern language. For example the word hurricane originated from the Amerindian word huracan.

Other Settlers

When Christopher Columbus passed by the island he did give Dominica its name, but left no other settlers on the island. It would be years before English and French settlers came to the island. These two European superpowers fought relentlessly for the island, and their cultures each took hold. However, African slaves have also left an indelible mark on the island.

French influences include the island's native language, a creole, food, and many location names. The British government won the island, and the influences of government as well as the official language are distinctly theirs. Africans also influenced the creole and food, as well as the distinctive local style of dress.

Carnival

Each year, Dominicans celebrate the Catholic Carnival, a festival held for three days before Ash Wednesday. Due to the country's French heritage, a majority of citizens are Catholic, but many non-Catholics also celebrate Carnival. Activities include the Calypso Monarch Competition, Carnival Queen Pageant and Carnival parades and parties.