[2] Beginning in the late 20th century, Kalinago Chiefs have also acted as a representative of the Kalinago Territory to other indigenous populations in the Caribbean region, and have worked with organizations including the Caribbean Organization of Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations.
[3] Historically, the Chief was the leader of the Kalinago, the indigenous inhabitants of Dominica.
Under British colonialism, the title was officially recognized as a ceremonial position beginning in 1903, when the Carib Reserve was established.
[4] Colonial authorities suspended the position in 1930 after "The Carib War," a brief, but violent, civil disturbance.
[5] The position of Chief was finally reinstated in 1953, as part of an island-wide system of local council government.