It is time to reclaim and rewrite the true history of Curaçao, restoring the identity and heritage stolen by centuries of colonialism. The name “Curaçao” finds its origin in the island’s first inhabitants, the Indios Curassow, and their profound connection to the natural world. At the heart of this connection lies the Great Curassow bird (Crax rubra), a majestic species native to the Americas, whose name and symbolism embody the resilience and richness of the island’s Indigenous culture.
The Great Curassow, with its striking black plumage, bold yellow bill knob, and elegant curled crest, is more than just a bird; it represents the harmony between Curaçao’s people and its biodiversity before European colonization. The bond between the island’s first inhabitants and the natural world was an integral part of their identity, yet this harmony was shattered by the arrival of the Spanish in 1499.
The Erasure of a Rich Culture
When the Spaniards arrived, they saw no value in the island’s Indigenous culture or its sustainable way of life. Obsessed with gold and immediate exploitation, they dismissed Curaçao as “Isla Inútil” (Useless Island). The Indios Curassow, who lived in balance with their environment and traveled between Curaçao and Venezuela in canoes, were deemed insignificant by the Spanish. Their advanced understanding of the land and sustainable practices were ignored, and the Spaniards began exploiting the island for their own gain.
Instead of appreciating the richness of the island’s ecosystems and Indigenous culture, the Spanish turned Curaçao into a naval base. It became a hub for piracy and plunder, a springboard for colonial raids that enriched European coffers through theft and violence. Alongside the exploitation of the land, the Spanish enslaved the Indigenous population, subjecting them to unimaginable cruelty. Many of the Indios Curassow resisted by choosing death over enslavement, a powerful act of defiance against their oppressors.
The Cycle of Exploitation
With the Indigenous population decimated, the colonizers turned to the transatlantic slave trade to continue their exploitation. Enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to Curaçao to replace the labor force destroyed by colonial greed. When the Dutch supplanted the Spanish, they perpetuated these atrocities, transforming Curaçao into a major hub of the Atlantic slave trade. The island became a symbol of human suffering under colonial rule.
The Great Curassow: A Symbol of Resilience
The Great Curassow, which shares its name with the island, stands as a poignant reminder of this history. Native to Neotropical rainforests, this bird was once a vital part of the ecosystems cherished by the Indios Curassow. Today, the species is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting pressures, a stark reminder of how colonial exploitation disrupted not only human societies but also the natural environment.
Reclaiming Curaçao’s true history involves more than acknowledging the exploitation and suffering that occurred—it is about restoring the identity of the Indios Curassow and their connection to the land. The name “Curaçao” is not a colonial invention; it belongs to the island’s original inhabitants and their harmonious relationship with nature.
A Call to Reclaim Curaçao’s Heritage
To honor the legacy of the Indios Curassow, it is essential to reject the colonial narrative that erased their culture and contributions. The Great Curassow serves as a powerful symbol of this reclamation, embodying the connection between the island’s land, its people, and its enduring spirit.
By embracing this history, we not only honor the resilience of the Indios Curassow but also the enslaved Africans who built Curaçao under unimaginable conditions. We celebrate the island’s culture, biodiversity, and identity, free from the distortions of colonial narratives. Curaçao is not a “useless island” or a colonial outpost—it is a place of strength, heritage, and natural beauty.
In Memory of Ced Ride
This effort to reclaim Curaçao’s true history is dedicated to the memory of Ced Ride, a passionate advocate for the island’s heritage. He tirelessly traced the origins of Curaçao’s name to the Indios Curassow, inspiring others to understand and celebrate the island’s rich history. His unwavering commitment to justice and cultural preservation continues to guide us in reclaiming our shared identity.
Let the Great Curassow remind us of the truth: Curaçao’s name and identity are deeply rooted in its Indigenous heritage and natural world. By reclaiming this history, we honor the island’s enduring spirit and its rightful legacy.
