The power and the importance of chiefs diminished when the British finally conquered Dominica. Kalinago moved away from the spread of plantations and isolated themselves in the area known as the Kalinago Territory.
After the 1930 incident in the Kalinago Territory that resulted in the death of two people, the office of the Kalinago Chief was banned for more than twenty years. Traditional governance was discarded and the local government system was imposed on the Kalinago Territory and people. The Chief was now 'democratically' elected by ballot.
The Carib Act of 1978 clearly outlines the powers of the Chief and the duration of his term as Chief, which is five years in the first instance. After serving a term, the individual can contest the election for Chief as often as they wish.
However, the changing times have dictated the role of the modern day Chief. The ceremonial Chief is now history. The demanding role of the Kalinago Chief requires him to be computer literate, with excellent communication skills, Office and Project Manager, Counselor, Fund Raiser, and Diplomat are all functions that the Chief has to perform.
The Kalinago people respect the position of Chief, seeing them as the person who can champion their cause and help them gain respect and dignity for the Kalinago people.
Past Kalinago Chiefs From 1800 to present:
| Chief Pitit Francois | half of the nineteenth century |
| Chief Wakanik | middle half of the nineteenth century |
| Chief Joseph | 1850 – 1870 |
| Chief Bruney | last quarter of the nineteenth century |
| Chief Auguiste Francis | 1880 to early 20th century |
| Chief Jules Corriette | 1916 to 1920 |
| Chief Jolly John | 1926 to 1930 |
| The office of Chief was suspended by the British Colonial authorities | 1930 to 1953 |
| Chief Simon John | 1953 (6 months) |
| Chief Whitney Frederick | 1953 – 1959 |
| Chief Jermandois Francis | 1959 – 1972 |
| Chief Masclem Frederick | 1972 -1975 |
| Chief Faustulus Frederick | 1975 – 1979 |
| Chief Hillary Frederick | 1978 – 1984 |
| Chief Irvince Auguiste | 1984 – 1994 |
| Chief Hillary Frederick | 1994 – 1999 |
| Chief Garnette Joseph | 1999 – 2004 |
| Chief Charles Williams | 2004 – 2009 |
| Chief Garnette Jospeh | 2009 - 2014 |
| Chief Charles Williams | 2014-2019 |
| Chief Lorenzo Sanford | 2019-2024 |
| Chief Annette Sanford - First Female Kalinago Chief | 2024- Present |