Maximilian Forte

Montreal

Canada

Profile Information:

About Me:: I am a professor of anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Concordia University. My research interests have focused on the Carib Community of Arima, Trinidad; ethnohistories and ethnographies of the aboriginal populations of Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica; tradition; globalization; political economy; and, both media ethnography and visual ethnography.
Occupation:: Professor
Education:: Hons. Double Major BA: York University - Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Spanish - 1990 (summa cum laude)
Diploma: University of the West Indies, Trinidad - International Relations - 1991 (Distinction)
MA: State University of New York at Binghamton - Anthropology - 1996
Ph.D.: The University of Adelaide (Australia) - Anthropology - 2002
Contact Information:: Dr. Maximilian C. Forte
Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology
Concordia University
1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W
Montreal, QC, H3G-1M8, Canada
E-mail: maximilian.forte@concordia.ca
Tel: 514 848-2424 ext.5567
Fax: 514-848-4539
Research Interests:: Imperialism, colonialism, nationalism, and Indigenous resistance.
Link:: http://indigenousreview.blogspot.com/
Another link:: http://zeroanthropology.net
Another link:: http://https://www.alertpress.org/arima-born.html
My Website:: http://www.openanthropology.org/

Comment Wall:

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Rosanna

Hi Mr. Forte,

How are you? Actually I'm renting close to Arima so it's Ok for me to attend. Just sent me some information so I can have a little knowledge of the event.
Also indicate the time, venue etc for me.
Thanks for the invitation.
Take care
Bye

Apr 30, 2008
Maximilian Forte

Hello Lesley-Ann! Great to hear from you again. I am still "fooling around" where travel plans are concerned, but if I go I realized it would have to be in July as well, crossing into August. Otherwise, if it doesn't work out I will go in October, I hope. Otherwise, how is everything going for you?

Apr 30, 2008
Lesley-Ann Brown

I really hope you make it for July! Things are good. Focusing on the novel once again...Really looking forward to seeing my grandmother this summer. Working hard and enjoying my son!
This site looks great.
Hugs,
lab

May 2, 2008
Roman Guaraguaorix

Hi Max the peresonnyou want to contact is member Miguel Sobaoko Koromo sague in reference to the Caney question.

May 2, 2008
adem medina cardona

Good afternoon, Max, does the ''Notes' page work, or is it me again?
:-)

May 7, 2008
adem medina cardona

I don't see the link, so perhaps no one else can. I was suspicious when I say no notes left by anyone. Glad it isn't just me again.

May 8, 2008
Zeeska Lee

Thanks Maximilian....there is a saying "man know thyself". This is a subject area I am embarrassingly inept.

My father says the Caribs were a proud people who refused to be enslaved which is why Africans and Indians were brought in to work the lands.

Needless to say, this is how he explains the the family's general disposition to external pressure. There are some things we just would never yield to. So, I am really eager to learn more about this side of my bloodline.

May 10, 2008
Zeeska Lee

Trinidad

May 10, 2008
Zeeska Lee

Hi Maximilian

You've written a great deal about the token recognition of aborigines in Trinidad. Has anything changed since then?

May 12, 2008
Zeeska Lee

The African vs Indian phenomenon is perhaps the most divisive influence in the country as both sides of the divide appear to vie for supremacy undermining the efforts of the other side.

I am usually intrigued by the assertion of East Indians of being discriminated against and marginalised. I would like to hear the perspective of the first peoples on this petty bickering locally.

Who can I contact here in Trinidad for more information?

May 12, 2008
Zeeska Lee

Why am I not surprised? Thank.

May 12, 2008
Lesley-Ann Brown

Hey Max, I think taro is what we call eddoes in Trinidad.

May 13, 2008
oronde ash

been prepping for last weekend's black male development symposium at arcadia university outside philly, pa. much to see and learn. when guiding my own course of study, the path can become so vibrant. like this morning watching amy tan at the TED conference talk about creativity made me recall the serendipity that befalls the purposed sojourner guided by truth. the universe brings all that's needed in spades. so MAXIMILLIAN, i can see why leslie and i did meet here and not in b'klyn... we are supposed to meet here, thanks to you.

May 13, 2008
Melissa Hinkson

Thank you. I used many of your scholarly sources while taking a course in Caribbean Studies during University. I learned much of my Indigenous culture- challenges, misconceptions and triumphs- from you. I feel it is important that Indigenous people (and the decendents) of Caribbean should connect through mediums such as this as its a great place to share one's history, personal stories, pictures etc...

May 18, 2008
oronde ash

how was the chat? next chat? left my thoughts on the big chief vid.

May 20, 2008
Melinda Maxwell-Gibb

O'-si-yo' Max. As far as I know, I'm the only North American Native on the island (and I definitely identify myself as native on the census, et. al.). I believe the phenomena is the result of Dr. Juan Carlos Martinez Cruzado's DNA study (62% of the test subjects exhibited mtDNA - mitochondrial indigenous DNA [matrilineal]). There has been a steady increase in those who now identify themselves as indigenous, which for me is extremely exciting, and we are begining to explore the possibilities of what might still remain in the culture as indigenous markers (socio-cultural, etc). Lynn Guitar's work, as well as your own, has been a huge inspiration in the process. Wa do.

I have a question for you. During the "Indian" slave trade, and during the Trail of Tears, many of our (the Five Nations of the Southeast) indigenous were injected into Caribbean culture (for example, the Five Nations of the Southeast sent many a slave into such places as Tobago and Barbados...I want to find these traces of my people. Also, Arthur Einhorn made a reference to our people being in the Bahamas (I've also heard this, but never got a straight answer as to where. I'd love to know as this is a family quest and I need to find some answers.) Wa do.

May 20, 2008
Marianela Medrano

Max,

Thanks for the warm welcoming. I feel at home already!

May 20, 2008
Zeeska Lee

Thanks for the info Maximillian. I've been having problems with my internet connection and I'm now trying to settle down. It'll be great to meet in October.

May 23, 2008
Jeremiah Kaplan

Yes montreal is a great city! Thanks for the welcome and I look forward to getting aquainted with the site.

Jun 5, 2008
adem medina cardona

Is the NOTES page a good place to leave a message for everyone? If so, I am not sure how to get it to work. ~c

Jul 14, 2008
Zeeska Lee

I'm here Maximilian. This semester is research paper. I'm swamped, also took up a position with the Government Information Service as a research assistant, so it's information overload.

Just trying to convert my 24hrs into 48. Thanks for thinking of me. Interesting slide, I'll be back with my questions....just hit the facebook button.

Jul 14, 2008
adem medina cardona

doing well, thank you... will try to leave a blog question and see if I know how to put that to the front page. I am in Portland, Oregon for a short project, so my internet access has been spotty. I will take courses at PSU while I am here, so I will get regular access to the net when classes resume.

Jul 14, 2008
Miguel Sague Jr

In case you did not get my comment on your note regarding your future plans to leave the administration of this network, I want to simply state that i hope ths does not mean that you will disppear completely from the scene. I look foward to many years of increased exchange between you and me. Taino Ti Miguel

Jul 25, 2008
Sylvester Clauzel

Thanks for the warm welcome Max. I just returned from belize where I visited several old Mayan cities. I also visited to the Garifuna Museum in Dangriga. Met with the Museum Director, who gave a fascinating and interesting tour of the museum and presentation on the history of the Garifuna from Africa to St. Vincent to Belize. I look forward to using this site and sharing my research on indigenous peoples of the Islands.

Jul 26, 2008
adem medina cardona

no, actualy the book question, thanks!

Jul 30, 2008
AkuTurey

Hello and thank you so much for making this availiable to all of us.May it be far more rewarding than you have imagined.
Frank AkuTurey

Jul 30, 2008
Miguel Sague Jr

Bo Matun for everything you have done for our various peoples!

Jul 31, 2008
Keiahani

Thanks for making the site, i really enjoy the academic feel of it

Jul 31, 2008
Rixturey

Thank you for kind words. I always enjoyed your work on your other websites. I am one of the founders of Biaraku. Even though it has been dormant on the web, we have had many educational event through the years. We also have many friends in common. I can mention Jorge Estevez as one of them. Also, thank you for setting up this wonderful way of keeping in touch with old and new friends.

Jul 31, 2008
Ivy

Ha ha I don't think I would want two heads, but thanks for the warm welcome and for the laugh... =)

Jul 31, 2008
Teresa

Thank you max for the note! If I can think of any questions I won't hesitate to ask you sincerely Teresa

Jul 31, 2008
Caracoli

Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to an academic approach to our Taino Culture along with the artistic presence we as Tainos always expose. This site has great possibilities & its a breath of frsh air in our turbulent Taino world.

Jul 31, 2008
Caracoli

I also would like to discuss with you the topic of veracity that you have written about in the past

Jul 31, 2008
Steph Simmons

Thank you very much for the warm welcome. I consider this a site of family members, and it feels wonderful when a cousin compliments your accomplishments. This site is a gift to all of us, and I thank you for the opportunity to share here.

Jul 31, 2008
Yabey

Thank you for your support to La Nacion Taino. If do need help I will let you. Hahom Itiao Yaya Ahiahude Tai ku ( Thank you Firend God Bless you Goodbye)

Jul 31, 2008
Miguel Sague III

Taino Ti Maximilian.
Thank you for the warm welcome. I'm happy to join a community like this.

Aug 1, 2008
SunBow

thanx alot better late than never, i was wondering how long has the site been set up. I have always had an interest into finding out more about my roots and I plan on visiting the carribean soon.

Aug 1, 2008
Joanna 'Aya' Soto-Avilés

Takaji Max and thank you for that very warm welcome. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this network. I look forward to many interesting exchanges and sharing. So far, the site has been working very well for me. Again, thank you for your offer of assistance. If the need should arise, I will not hesitate to contact you. In the meantime, blessings and best wishes to you and your loved ones.
Oma Bahari,
Tio Bo Guatukan,
Love, Hugs, Peace & Taíno-tí,
Joanna & Family.

Aug 1, 2008
Caracoli

I'm liking this site. I brung some of my friends that are artists. Some groups have been formed and the site is looking real nice. Well just wanted to say Taino Ti (Hello) & to thank you for providing a neutral space for Tainos to dwell

Aug 8, 2008
adem medina cardona

Gooooood Morning Max and Joshua (too much cafe! jajaja)
Is there a way in which the system can be set so that as individual members post blog posts to their own pages, we can be notified. At this point I have no way of knowing who has posted without visiting each and every page. The good news is that ICN is growing in leaps and bounds. However, since some people post often and others not at all, it can be time consuming checking each members page. There are some truly awesome posts worth reading/viewing. I am posting one today that I would like to have everyone be aware of. Any hope for some type of front page list of new blog posts by our members? ~c

Aug 9, 2008
Al "Kutubanama" Velazquez

Thank you for the message!!! I've been looking for something like this. I have a page in Myspace which I enjoy very much, but I've been looking for a place that I can connect with people such as the ones presented here. I actually know some of these members personally for many years, and I'm glad to find this place. Now I can post and share more of me that I can't share just anywhere. This is the Taino me and this is a confortable place to be in. Thanks for the great work!!!

Aug 12, 2008
adem medina cardona

jajaja!
I meant the blog about the Native Wellness.
Perhaps I should have not posted anything new to avoid the confusion.
Thank you for posting my beloved Rio Guajataka though. I have spent more hours running through her, and her running through me than any other place on the island. I will live there for a million years more, and then again and again, for it is where my soul was born, died and reborn. ~c

Aug 13, 2008
adem medina cardona

btw
i did post that other blog as an event, so you do NOT need to profile it
I am sure it is getting enough attention
THANK YOU!~c

Aug 13, 2008
Belinda

Dear Sir,

You are most welcome to become a Guyanese.
It is a great that you created this network. I have so many questions on the amerindian way of life. This website has numerous information that will enlighten me to the Amerindian way of life in the Caribbean.

My mother taught me to make the Wapishana hand woven Hammock, we used to export this type of hammocks to Canada.

Until later.

Berlinda

Aug 13, 2008
Amoi Foerstel

Hey Max

Thank you and hope we all can learn from eachother.

Aug 13, 2008
Caracoli

Hey Max
I am honored by your words, Feel free to post wherever you want, just give me credit.

I ooze Taino 24 hrs a day 365 days of the week. The whole world can feed with what I have to give. I want to share Taino with the whole world & world beyonds.

These thoughts come from somebody who has been in the resurgance movement for14 years and the experiences that have shaped my being.

Our greatest teachers say this is the great reconcilliation

I put Columbus aside

I put the Spanish Conquistadors aside

I put the extinction aside

I put the detractors aside

I am Taino

and I am still here

Coming full circle in this quest which is my birthright I wind up where I started, a better man for it.

Aug 13, 2008
Caracoli

Bye the way which one are you talking about? lol

Aug 13, 2008
Belinda

Dear Sir,

The webpage uploads quickly. I am using dial up.

Berlinda

Aug 14, 2008
Caracoli

Yes with lowercase

tainoray

Aug 14, 2008
AkuTurey

Hello Maximilian,Please join my discussion on DNA,we are at a"stand-still",something just doesn't make sense,and I need someone's help!Thanks!

Aug 15, 2008