INDIGENOUS

PEOPLES AND THE

EUROPEANS
The first indigenous people of Tobago

Indigenous people means: the first known people

The first peoples of Trinidad and Tobago were the Amerindians, who
settled on the islands roughly 18000 years ago. They began their
migration from Siberia, crossed over the Bering Straits and moved into
Alaska and then moved south through North, Central and South America.
During their movement southwards, some Amerindians established
settlements and formed indigenous tribes, while others moved further
south.
The Taino (Arawaks) and Kalinago (Caribs)
Between 2000 and 2500 years ago a new group of Amerindians
travelled to Trinidad and Tobago from Venezuela. These were the
Kalinago tribe (Caribs) and Taino tribe (Arawaks).
The Kalinago lived in the north and west of Trinidad in
settlements like Arima and Mucurapo. The Taino lived in the
southeast and in Tobago. The Taino were a peaceful tribe, who
were often attacked by the more warlike Kalinago. Both
established their settlements along the coast, near rivers and at the
top of hills.
Columbus’ Arrival
At the time of Columbus’ arrival in Trinidad in
1498, the islands had a population of around 40
000 indigenous Amerindians.
Amerindian Food
The Amerindian’s food came from crops like cassava, maize,
potatoes, tomatoes, beans and fruit. They also fished and
hunted animals.
Cotton was grown to make clothing and bedding, they also
cultivated tobacco which they smoked or chewed. The name
Tobago comes from the word tobacco.
Maize

Tobacco