Picture this: European ships arrive in the Caribbean, claiming 'discovery,' but the Kalinago of Dominica don't just vanish like so many others. They fight back, adapt, and come roaring into the 21st century with renewed pride. Resistance, Refuge, Revival pulls back the curtain on their story, making complex history feel immediate and alive.
In the wake of Columbus and his followers, most indigenous Caribbean populations were wiped out within decades—diseases, enslavement, violence. But the Kalinago? They carved out resistance in Dominica's rugged interior, the last stronghold in the Lesser Antilles. This book dives into those early clashes, showing how they held onto their identity when everything else was stripped away.
It's not just about survival; it's about smart adaptation. The Kalinago shifted tactics—retreating to mountain refuges, blending with newcomers when needed, all while keeping their language, crafts, and spirituality alive. Fast-forward to today: they're reviving traditions through territory claims, festivals, and education. You'll read about specific leaders, battles, and modern movements that turned near-extinction into resurgence.
For anyone curious about real indigenous persistence—not the romanticized version—this is your guide. It answers questions like: How did they avoid total assimilation? What role did geography play? And what's next for the Kalinago in our changing world? The writing is straightforward, packed with maps, photos, and primary sources, praised by Caribbean Beat as an 'indispensable lexicography' for the Anthropocene era.
Grab this paperback before its April 2025 release and use it to spark conversations—at book clubs, history nights, or just sharing with friends interested in decolonized narratives. It's the kind of read that sticks, reshaping how you see Caribbean history and resilience everywhere. Shortlisted for the OCM Bocas Prize, it's already earning its spot on thoughtful shelves.
