As Trinidad and Tobago observes Heritage Week, members of the First Peoples Community gathered at the Hyarima Monument on Wednesday for a traditional smoke ceremony honouring their ancestors and cultural heritage.
The occasion also provided an opportunity for the Chief of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, Ricardo Bharath Hernandez, to renew his call for greater national recognition of Indigenous history and its significance to the country’s identity.
“Even not a full day, but I think lots more need to be done by the authorities to highlight the significance of the day and what it means to the country, so yes, it is with a difference this year, but we hope that as we continue, we will grow from strength to strength.”
The date holds deep historical significance, marking the resistance of Nepuyo war chief Hyarima against Spanish colonial rule.
“This is the day in the year 1637 that Hyarima, the Nepoyo war chief, retaliated against the colonisers, the Spanish occupation of Trinidad, and attacked the town of St Joseph and burnt it to the ground, and it was all in retaliation for the atrocities meted out to the First Peoples by the colonisers, so on this day we recall the bravery and the championing of the cause of the First Peoples by our chief Hyarima.”
The smoke ceremony formed part of ongoing efforts to preserve Indigenous spiritual practices and cultural traditions.
Research Specialist at the National Trust of T&T, Dr Shad Gobinsingh, stressed the importance of educating the public, particularly young people, about the history and legacy of Indigenous communities.
“Some of the things that they are doing currently, is extremely important because what I could say is that we have to focus a lot on bringing widespread awareness and educating the public, especially the youths, about what has happened here in Trinidad and Tobago, especially in terms of the Indigenous culture that we have.”
The Chief noted that continued education, cultural observances and greater national recognition are vital to preserving First Peoples’ heritage and ensuring future generations understand their history, traditions and contributions to Trinidad and Tobago.