Completing the Circle: Garifuna Pilgrimage Journeys from Belize to Yurumein

This presentation explores the connections that the Garifuna indigenous group of Belize has with their former homeland, the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. After emerging as a distinct ethnic group during the 17th century, the Garifuna were experienced a forced migration and were exiled from St. Vincent by British colonial rulers in 1797. For the Garifuna people, the connection to the island is more than historical. It is also spiritual. Interviews were conducted in July 2006 in Belize with members of the Garifuna community who have made the journey back to the island. In addition to exploring the results of those interviews, this presentation will also provide a history of the Garifuna people and describe some of the spiritual aspects of the culture