Waitukubuli

Waitukubuli is the name of the Indigenous People of Dominica for the island of Dominica, which means “tall is her body.” This name is deeply symbolic, reflecting the island’s towering mountain ranges and lush, verdant landscapes. Before the arrival of European colonizers, this was the name given to the island by its original inhabitants. These Kalinago people are the only remaining pre-Columbian indigenous population in the Eastern Caribbean.

Waitukubuli’s Historical and Cultural Significance

The name Waitukubuli is more than just a geographical description; it embodies the island’s identity, heritage, and the resilience of its indigenous people. The Kalinago have a profound connection to the land captured in Waitukubuli. The Kalinago, who continue to live in the Kalinago Territory, have preserved many of their traditions, and the name serves as a reminder of their enduring presence and cultural legacy on the island.

The Legacy of the Name Waitukubuli

The name Waitukubuli has been revived and honoured in various ways throughout Dominica. It is prominently featured in the Waitukubuli National Trail, the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail, which traverses the island from south to north.