Indigenous traditions and knowledge are still very much present in daily life across the Caribbean, more than schoolbooks make us believe. This strongly counters the ideas of displacement and disappearance of the Indigenous peoples. It connects us with a history that from its beginnings has been much more diverse and complex than that offered by conventional narratives.
Archaeology is an important means to un-ravel the unwritten Indigenous histories and increase awareness about the past. The Caribbean archaeological record is threatened by natural and human impacts. Archaeological sites are looted for artifacts that are sold to local collectors and tourists.
Construction activities, sand mining and large tourist development projects accelerate coastal erosion. Legislation can help to protect our heritage under threat. Let us start today to secure the future of the past!