Conversation with Dr Lennox Honychurch

Dr. Lennox Honychurch, Dominica's most esteemed anthropologist and historian, has yet again provided an essential window into the nation's heritage with his latest book, Resistance, Refuge, and Revival: The Indigenous Kalinagos of Dominica. Launched recently, this work transforms his rigorous doctoral thesis from Oxford University into an engaging narrative accessible to general readers. It captures the indomitable spirit of the Kalinago people over a 500-year journey, showcasing their resilience, adaptability, and vital contributions to Dominica's cultural and social identity.

This publication is more than a historical account; it is a tribute to a marginalised community that resisted colonisation, negotiated survival amidst oppression, and preserved traditions despite significant challenges. Dr. Honychurch weaves together anthropology, archaeology, history, and storytelling, making Resistance, Refuge, and Revival a comprehensive exploration of the Kalinago legacy.

In this edition of "Conversation", "we sit down with Dr. Honychurch to delve into the book's making, its insights, and the lessons it offers for cultural preservation and Indigenous rights. Through this Q&A, readers will gain a deeper appreciation of Dominica's unique past and the enduring significance of its first people.

Q: How do Resistance, Refuge, and Revival differ from your previous works?

Dr. Honychurch: This book focuses entirely on the history of the Kalinago people in Dominica. In earlier works like The Dominica Story: A History of the Island and In the Forests of Freedom: The Fighting Maroons of Dominica, the Kalinagos were featured only as part of broader narratives. Here, they are the central focus, showcasing their journey through colonisation, survival, and revival.

Q: Why is Dominica unique in the Caribbean in terms of the Kalinagos' ability to secure their land, and how has this shaped their history?

Dr. Honychurch: Dominica's rugged volcanic terrain and the Kalinagos' resistance to European settlement played pivotal roles. These factors made Dominica one of the last Caribbean islands to be fully colonised. Their determination allowed the Kalinago people to retain part of their land, shaping their history and Dominica's identity as a whole.

Q: What surprised you most in your research about the Kalinagos' response to European colonisation?

Dr. Honychurch: Their responses were remarkable in their ingenuity. They used a mix of physical resistance, diplomacy, and strategic trade to counter colonisation. They also manipulated relationships between rival European powers, keeping them uncertain. Their scepticism toward Christian teachings, which they saw as tools of subjugation, was another fascinating aspect.

Q: How does the culture of the Kalinago people reveal their resilience and adaptability?

Dr. Honychurch: Their survival can be traced through material culture—canoe production, cassava processing, basketry, and agriculture. These activities reflect their deep understanding of Dominica's sea, forests, and climate, which enabled them to endure tremendous challenges.

Q: What role do the Kalinago people play in Dominica's modern social and cultural identity?

Dr. Honychurch: They are central to our shared heritage. Kalinago's knowledge influenced agriculture, natural resource management, and language. Even today, many Dominicans unknowingly use Kalinago words in Kwéyol to describe plants, animals, and places. Their DNA is also woven into the fabric of the nation, even among those who do not physically resemble them.

Q: How can this book contribute to current conversations about indigenous rights and cultural preservation?

Dr. Honychurch: It's an important resource that highlights the Kalinagos' determination to preserve their autonomy and culture. Their lessons on self-sufficiency, sustainable living, and resilience are relevant to global conversations about Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship.

Q: What message do you hope readers take from this book about the importance of understanding indigenous histories?

Dr. Honychurch: I would hope that they will have a greater respect for the Kalinago people and an appreciation for the struggles they overcame.

Q: How do you balance academic rigour with making your work accessible to general readers?

Dr. Honychurch: That was one of the toughest challenges. The original thesis was highly academic and was written for rigorous Oxford examinations. Revising it meant simplifying language, shortening sections, and making the narrative engaging for a wider audience.

Q: What role does storytelling play in preserving the history of marginalised communities like the Kalinagos?

Dr. Honychurch: Storytelling is a cornerstone of cultural preservation. The Kalinagos' myths, star lore, and creation stories provide profound insights into their worldview. These narratives are vital to understanding and honouring their heritage.

Q: What more can be done to promote Kalinago heritage and culture within Dominica and internationally?

Dr. Honychurch: The Kalinago people have taken significant steps themselves by reviving aspects of their culture. Since the 1970s, activists and cultural groups have been instrumental in this process. Greater governmental and international support can further amplify their efforts.

Q: What future projects or research areas are you considering after this publication?

Dr. Honychurch: I'm focusing on organising and preserving my physical and digital works for future generations. It's disheartening to see a lack of support for public libraries and archives, which are vital to preserving and sharing history.

Q: What advice would you give young Dominicans interested in exploring and documenting their history?

Dr. Honychurch: It's a challenging but rewarding path. Be rigorous in your research and ensure the accuracy of your sources. I've long advocated for a dedicated position to support historical research and public education. I hope such a role will soon be established to inspire and support the next generation.

This conversation with Dr. Honychurch reveals the depth of his scholarship and his passion for preserving the stories of Dominica's first people. Resistance, Refuge, and Revival serves as both a tribute to the Kalinago and a call to action to ensure their legacy endures.