Introduction / History

The Caribs are also known as Kalina and Galibi. They were among the first indigenous people to meet Christopher Columbus in 1492. Their name probably means, “brave warrior.” Contact with Europeans brought devastation on them (and other indigenous peoples) though new diseases and war with people who had superior weapons.

Today, they live in the countries of northern South America, including Suriname, where they largely settle on the left bank of the Maroni River and on the banks of the Coppename River.

What Are Their Lives Like?

A Carib member of Suriname’s National Assembly was responsible for legislation that recognized the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples as a public holiday.

Caribs are a minority in each country where they reside, so they congregate together in certain areas. Their music is rich in percussion instruments, including flutes and terra cotta horns.

Funerals are very important to the Caribs. Preparations sometimes take months. There is a long period of mourning that might take a year, followed by a celebration of life called Epekotono. The Epekotono celebration includes music, dancing, body painting, and a symbolic burning of the deceased's possessions. When the Epekotono ends, normal life events resume, and the widow can re-marry. Epekotono is only for the Caribs, which reinforces their identity as a people. Outsiders can attend as guests.

Though some weave, most make their living through agriculture. Their main crops include corn, beans, manioc, sweet potato, cassava, avocados, and citrus fruits. They supplement their diet by fishing and hunting. Manioc is their staple food, and they make a type of bread out of it.

Rites of passages include marriage and baptism for children according to Roman Catholic traditions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They have a shamanistic background, and traditional religion is still strong. However, they also have Christian traditions, both Roman Catholic and Protestant.

What Are Their Needs?

The Caribs have faced many serious challenges in their long history, and they nearly became extinct once. They need renewed dignity and a chance to determine their own destiny.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Caribs in Suriname to survive and thrive as a culture.
Pray for them to have a spiritual hunger that will drive them into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Pray that soon Carib disciples will make more disciples in Suriname.

Scripture Prayers for the Carib, Galibi in Suriname.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalina_people
https://pib.socioambiental.org/en/Povo:Galibi_do_Oiapoque