Page 18 - AHATA

Wednesday 12 november 2025 locAl
A10

Episode CCCXXIX-329
Aruba in the Era of Dutch Expansion: Conflict, Trade, Natives and Courage

The narrative of Etnia Nativa—which means Native raised by Christianized Amerindians
Ethnicity—highlights the importance of recovering living on Curaçao, Bonaire, and espe-
and preserving Aruba’s cultural identity and heri- cially Aruba. Although mostly flat, Aru-
tage. Through this platform, readers gain access to ba features two small mountains: Ya-
an authentic native perspective that both educates manota and Pan de Azúcar (Sugarloaf
the public and inspires a growing “island caretaker Mountain)—the latter so named for its
mindset.” resemblance to a Spanish sugarloaf
and known today by its Dutch name,
In this episode, we explore a sensitive yet globally Hooiberg, meaning “Haystack.”
relevant topic: geopolitics, the most consequential The island’s population—compris-
form of politics. You’ll discover how the decisions that ing Amerindians, mestizos, and a few visited by the Dutch, in 1623.
shape the world’s destiny are not made by a single Spaniards—thrived as farmers, fisher-
government, but rather on a global scale. We journey men, and herders of horses, mules, The broader geopolitical struggle in
back to a time when the future “great powers” were donkeys, cattle, goats, and sheep. the Caribbean was just beginning. In
being forged through expansionism—sailing into the Life remained largely peaceful, with 1633, Spain reconquered and seized
crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean—while, in the no documented European landings, Saint Martin—a strategic link between
ABC islands, the original inhabitants lived peacefully, though Dutch ships began appearing Brazil and New Holland—diminishing
immersed in the calm of the ocean, unaware of the off the coast in subsequent years. Aruba’s importance along the route to
changes brewing beyond the horizon at the end of Lake Maracaibo. With limited knowl-
the 15th century. Dutch sailors, however, were cautious edge of the southern Caribbean, the
of Aruba’s Native American riders, re- Dutch relied on Jan Jansz Otsen, a sail-
From the late 16th century onward, Dutch explorers nowned horsemen who patrolled the or once captured by the Spanish and
began venturing into what were then Spanish territo- island’s coast. In January 1627, a Dutch familiar with Curaçao, who provided
ries in the New World. In 1585, they were first sighted expedition led by Van Uytgeest sailed them with crucial intelligence. Acting
near the southern coast of our islands by Caquetian near Aruba’s southern coast and ob- decisively, the Dutch officially set foot
natives. Meanwhile, small trading companies in Am- served many natives on horseback, on the ABC islands in 1634, marking a
sterdam, Enkhuizen, and Rotterdam initiated clandes- armed with long guns, bows, and ar- turning point in Caribbean history.
tine trade with Iberian colonies across the Atlantic, rows, appearing formidably unfriendly.
laying the foundation for the Netherlands’ rise as a Concluding that a landing would be Explore Aruba’s Roots at Etnia Nativa
global power. Sephardic merchants played a par- too dangerous, the expedition contin- If you’ve enjoyed discovering our an-
ticularly crucial role, introducing Dutch traders to their ued its voyage to Riohacha, Colombia. cestral stories and wish to delve deep-
South Atlantic networks within the Portuguese trading Other Dutch squadrons passed near er into the true identity of the Aruban
world. This facilitated commercial connections with the island between 1628 and 1630, people, we invite you to experience
mainland America despite strict Spanish restrictions. but Bonaire—not Aruba—was the first Etnia Nativa—the only “living museum”
By 1624, records indicate that livestock was being Leeward Island officially recorded as
of its kind in the Caribbean, celebrat-
ing the island’s rich mestizaje (cultural
blending).q

Founded in 1994, Etnia Nativa has
been a cultural pioneer—co-founding
Aruba’s National Park, the Archaeo-
logical Museum, artisan foundations,
and several grassroots initiatives dedi-
cated to heritage and conservation.
But Etnia Nativa isn’t just a place — it’s
a gateway. Quietly tucked away near
the high-rise hotels, this private resi-
dence also serves as a cultural sanc-
tuary, unknown to most tourists. And
that’s part of its magic. Intentionally
exclusive, it welcomes only those with
a genuine curiosity and a thirst for au-
thentic discovery.

Connect with the spirit and soul of Aru-
ba’s ancient heritage through a one-
of-a-kind experience.

WhatsApp: +297 592 2702 or
Email: etnianativa03@gmail.com