Anette Sanford made history in the Kalinago Territory on September 11, 2024, by becoming the first female to be inaugurated as Kalinago Chief. Her oath of office was administered by Local Government Commissioner Glenroy Toussaint, with Dominica’s President, Sylvanie Burton, herself of Kalinago descent, presenting her with the staff of office.
Sanford’s inauguration also marked the swearing-in of the newly elected Kalinago councilors, each assigned key portfolios. The councilors and their responsibilities are:
- Francillia Darroux – Health & Social Services
- Kimmerly Tyson – Youth and Sports Development
- Miranda Langlais – Tourism, Culture & Heritage
- Riscia Ellick – Education, Communication & Technology
- Ted Thomas – Agriculture & the Environment
- Wayne Rossi – Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship
- Anette Sanford – Foreign Affairs & Finance
In her address to the gathering of government officials, dignitaries, and Kalinago residents, Sanford pledged to advance the welfare of the indigenous people of Dominica. Acknowledging her ancestors’ sacrifices, she said, “We all stand on the shoulders of our ancestors who, with courage and tenacity, preserved our culture, our language, and our way of life.”
Sanford stressed the importance of education for the Kalinago people’s future, highlighting the need for young Kalinagos to be equipped to navigate both their traditional heritage and the modern world. “We must ensure that our young people are prepared to lead and succeed in both realms,” she urged.
She also called on regional Caribbean leaders to collaborate in the development of the Kalinago community. “Our success is the region’s success, likewise our failure is also a failure of the region as a people,” Sanford stated, seeking support for the only remaining indigenous community in the Caribbean.
In closing, Sanford urged the Dominica government to fulfill its 2019 promise to designate a National Day dedicated to the Kalinago people, proposing July 4th, 2025, as a fitting date to begin the celebration of Kalinago culture and heritage.
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