Contemporary Indigenous communities face multiple challenges:
Land Rights
Despite the Kalinago Territory in Dominica, most French Caribbean Indigenous peoples lack formal land rights. In French Guiana, conflicts over territory intensify as development pressures increase.
Cultural Transmission
"Our biggest challenge is passing knowledge to youth who are attracted to global culture," admits Prosper Paris, a Kalinago basket weaver. "We must make our traditions relevant to their lives, showing how Indigenous knowledge addresses contemporary issues."
Economic Sustainability
Balancing cultural preservation with economic needs requires creativity. Eco-tourism, artisan cooperatives, and cultural education programs provide income while maintaining traditions.
Climate Change
Rising seas and intense hurricanes threaten coastal Indigenous communities. Traditional environmental knowledge becomes crucial for adaptation strategies.