Warao T&T: The Beginning of a New Era

Prayers to ancestors. 
By Lincoln Holder
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday  | Saturday, December 22 2012

THROUGH A CHILD'S EYES: Youngster Joshua Medina,
of the TT Organisation of Indigenous People steals a stare during a prayer service yesterday
by the Warao Indigenous people at Banwari Trace Siparia in South Trinidad. Author: LINCOLN HOLDER

"DESCENDANTS of the indigenous people from the Warao Tribe yesterday staged a prayer ceremony to their ancestors as they called for constitutional rights and official recognition.

The group met on what they claimed is sacred ground where they said their ancestors were buried in Banwari Trace, Penal. The ceremony, according to the Waraos also marked the beginning of a new era and not the end of the world, as some predicted would have happened yesterday following the end of the Mayan calendar.

Chief Elder Lawrence Lloyd Gervais said the history of the Warao has been swept under the carpet. Waraos and other indigenous tribes from Rio Claro, Arima and other districts assembled at the holy grounds forming a circle and offering prayers to their various gods and ancestors.

Elder Rabina Shar, said under the United Nation-declaration on the rights of indigenous people he wants the Warao to be recognised as a sovereign nation within Trinidad. “But this is a new sovereign nation we want the people of Trinidad and Tobago to recognise us as we are the first sovereign nation. And that our sovereignty would be recognised constitutionally,” Shar said.

The Elder said his group has only been getting the runaround as it tries to get recognition. “They are making more excuses to get away from the fact that we are the sovereign nation and we need to be registered as that. We need constitutional recognition.”

Shar said the cradle of the Warao civilisation is at the Naparima Hills where their first father had two children. At those hills the children were taught the foundation and tradition of the Warao.

“This is not something written in a paper that a Judge or a lawyer could talk about. It is something that we live and respect in our hearts as a people,” Shar said.

He said the Warao religion was taken over and indigenous people were divided. Shar claimed that attempts are being made to take away the sacred grounds which is part of their history. He said their sacred grounds was to be transformed into a national heritage site. But the group insists this land is holy and their ancestors’ bones lie buried beneath. “They can’t make this what they want it to be...no heritage site,” Shar said.

In this new era — according to Warao traditional beliefs — he said the Warao, in addition to being recognised, want their holy sites across the country to be returned to them so the Elders can start projects to educate the youngsters, to keep the tribe together and ensure continuity.

Shar explained that yesterday’s prayer ceremony is performed every 494 years to mark the end of eras of time. Young and old participated yesterday in the prayers. A bundle of pieces of wood was placed in the centre of the circle and a fire was lit. Pieces of dried tobacco leaves were placed in the fire by each member together with honey and rice.

Also present was Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration Clifton de Coteau who said he is in full support of the group and added that on Thursday in Tobago, during the weekly meeting, Cabinet approved lands in Santa Rosa to be set aside for use by indigenous peoples." SOURCE

Fixing Banwari site 'a priority'. Assembly of first people in 2013.
By Louis B Homer Trinidad Express | Dec 21, 2012 at 9:57 PM ECT

"Further recognition for the indigenous people of Trinidad is expected when the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration convenes its first National Assembly of Indigenous People in early 2013.

The announcement was made yesterday by Minister Clifton De Coteau when he attended a special new year observance of the Warao people at the Banwari historical site, San Francique, Penal.

"My ministry is working on several initiatives concerning the first people and, rest assured, I will be in touch with your organisation during the new year to formulate plans for the assembly," said the Minister.

De Coteau said, "Government is giving priority to the continued development of the Banwari site and plans are under way to set up a management committee to speed up the project."

De Coteau said he was happy that a contingent of supporters came from Arima to join in the Warao's spiritual exercise.

Zachary Medina, grandson of a former Carib queen, took part in the spiritual exercise. He was accompanied by a number of young followers from Arima.

Rabina Shar, spokesperson for the Warao tribe, said they were happy that the Minister was present. "It is the first time a Minister has attended such a programme at the Banwari site."

Shar announced that early in the new year all the groups that comprise the first people will hold a national meeting to discuss the way forward.

He performed the duties of a shamaan (high priest) by offering tobacco, rice, honey and other items to the Warao gods. After his offerings members of the public were invited to do likewise.

Also attending the ceremony was Lawrence Lloyd Gervais, Grand Chief of the Warao tribe.

Gervais said the group has several ideas to present to Government that will benefit the first people as well as the national community of Trinidad and Tobago." SOURCE

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A Note From The Gull

I am so glad to see us all coming together. I had always wondered about the silence of the descendants of indigenous peoples in Trinidad and Tobago, apart from those represented by the Santa Rosa Carib Community. It is good to know that the Warao are speaking up about their relationship to this place. I have always been moved by the fact that it is an important part of their mythology and that even when they were located in Venezuela, they would make the pilgrimage to their sacred place at Naparima Hill in San Fernando - which they believed to be one of the pillars holding up the sky. 

The following is a report produced by the South Western Peninsula of Warao Descendants First Nation of Trinidad and Tobago for the summary that elaborates the Office of the High Commission on Human Rights for the Universal Periodic Evaluation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

"South Western Peninsula of Warao Descendants First Nation of Trinidad and Tobago
Address: 65 High Street Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
E-mail: waraodescendants.tt@gmail.com
Contact: Mr. Rabina Shar Contact number: (868) 296-8691; 291-5128

1.  We are the elders of the South Western Peninsula of Warao Descendants, First Nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and are Warao Descendants in South Trinidad.

Historically, we are in the Northern boundry of Warao Territory. The Southern boundry is in Karoshimo Mountain in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Seven thousand years now we have inhabited this territory and South America. Our first parents Habori and Wanta are believed to be the progenitors of all aboriginal tribes.

Our governance policy is based upon the respect for our Shamans, Elders and Chiefs who rule with the knowledge of our ancestors. Freedom from fear in

---Page 2

the performance of our duty to maintain harmony with nature is ours world order. We are a Nation and not an organization, culture group or NGO. Our allegiance is to our people, our territorial habitat of Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela and countries within South America. As Elders, we assume the role as protectors of Aboriginal people’s freedom as trustees within the territory.

Our Earth Gods Wara Waro and Nabarima dwell in the Naparima San Fernando Hills where our progenitors found refuge in a Cave therein: and their spirit dwells. Our family in the Orinoco Delta used to do holy pilgrimages upon this hill until de 1950’s. We are the canoe people. Our travels throughout our world of South and Central America have exposed us to various cultures. Invasion of our territories by Spain, led to the enslavement of our people. This dispersed our people as some returned to the Orinoco and others remained in Trinidad and Tobago.

Years of colonization have divorced us from the wisdom of our ancestors. We have been subjected to the growth of a new society of culture clashes as people from different parts of the world arrived on our shores. This led us the above mentioned Elders Council, to undertake objectives to educate and sensitize our people in order to identify themselves. We have, since then, stepped forward to unite the Nation.

2. Some objectives which could help our people to identify themselves with our brother and sisters worldwide are: - To research knowledge of our Ancestors with a view to find ourselves, educate our people and sensitize them towards their rights.

---Page 3

- To register and organize our people with the Principle of “Freedom of Association” into an infrastructure of National operational Capability in order to address their needs.

- Recognition as the first Nation of Trinidad and Tobago within the Constitution with a Ministry to address our affairs in Parliamentary Representation.

- Trade and Cultural exchanges among our territory’s family in South American States.

3. South Western Peninsula of Warao Descendants First Nation of Trinidad and Tobago uses this occasion with the Universal Periodic Review of Member States of the United Nations to present this written contribution to the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations on Venezuela. In particular, we hope that our experience will aide in exposing the condition of basic human rights in Venezuela.

Our interest lie in the history of the Warao people whose habitat comprised both countries in respect to our territory. In the Republics recognition of first nation natives within their constitution; we are indeed pleased to recognize such veracity. In the eight articles inserted in the Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela, the articles 120 and 125 appear to me as challenges.

Article 120 seems to me, to be suggesting that the criteria of informing and consulting with our first nation people is enough to implement state’s exploitation of “our” natural resources. Our rights to consent or not appears to be indefinable.

---Page 4

The word “Shall be carried out” implies the right of the state over the right of the native.

Seven Thousand years of religious traditional and cultural habitation have preserved the natural resources that are our Gods, mother of the Forrest, mother of food, sacred grounds, sacred animals, sacred spirits, cosmology, and way of life. The Earth knows us; we know the Earth, we are one. To cut a tree requires a sacrifice. Actions that violate the natural order of harmony in nature are crimes of humanity. Justice lies within our hearts, not in Laws or their endorsements. Article 125 speaks of representation in the territories where native population control, in accordance with the law.

4. I recommend that Shamans and Elders of the Venezuelan Warao Community be part of the state’s executive rules and advisors in the administration of State development, planning and implementation.

The advantages of your State lie within its Constitution and how its ideas are implemented and how positively the government has created a Ministry of Popular Power for Indigenous Peoples, to facilitate and promote the strengthening of the communal ancestral indigenous and respecting their values, principles and ancestral customs.

6. We also would like to recommend the Venezuelan Government, to invite us to visit native people of Venezuela, firstly with the purpose of family reunion. Secondly, in order to be appraised of their situation with a view to realistically address our opinion and recommendations because if we will be expose to the root of your culture and you will be expose to the root of ours, then we can learn from

---Page 5

each other in order to help each other and examine our traditions, culture, religions, etc., with the intention to compare similarities or polar views to get a better analysis of ourselves." SOURCE

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Canada: Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's Hunger Strike: The Ninth Day

Attawapiskat Chief Spence says not “afraid to die” as she launches hunger strike.
National News | 10. Dec, 2012
By APTN National News | 

APTN National News 

OTTAWA--"Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence stood at the steps leading up to the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill Monday and said she was “willing to die” if the federal government ignored her call for a meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Queen Elizabeth II and First Nations leaders.

Spence plans to begin her hunger strike Tuesday morning after a sunrise ceremony on Victoria Island, just up the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill.

“I am willing to die for my people, the pain is too much,” said Spence. “Somebody asked me if I was afraid to die. No, I am not afraid to die, it’s a journey we have to go on and I will go and I am looking forward to it.” Spence told reporters who had gathered for her small press conference that the Canadian government was ignoring the treaties and that the Crown, in whose name the treaties were signed, is ignoring the breakdown of the relationship. She wants the prime minister, the Queen, or a representative, to sit down with First Nations leaders and reestablish the treaty relationship.

“I want the Crown, the prime minister and all the leaders to sit down and rebuild that relationship and honour and protect the treaty,” said Spence.

The British, and later Canada, signed numerous treaties across the country and First Nations hold those treaties as defining their relationship with the Crown that predates the creation of Canada.

A meeting was held last January dubbed the Crown-First Nations gathering and it was attended by the prime minister and Gov.-Gen. David Johnston along with First Nations leaders.

Spence said the meeting was a failure because the Harper government didn’t change its approach to First Nations.

Spence’s community of Attawapiskat burst onto the national consciousness last fall after images of the community’s deplorable housing flashed across the country’s television screens.

The Harper government, however, attacked the community, blaming the band for its housing situation. Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan took away the band’s control over its finances and imposed a third-party manager.

Spence said her community was still in a housing crisis with people living in sheds and trailers.

In an open letter released early Monday, Spence said she decided to go on a hunger strike after “months” of consideration and meetings with elders.

“After a long period of reflection, the time is at hand for a clear statement,” wrote Spence.

Spence wrote that the Canadian government was trying to “isolate” and “assimilate” First Nations people.

“This process of marginalizing our political leadership, along with the enforced segregation of our people is part of a deliberate (attempt) to isolate our people, marginalize our people and ultimately assimilate our people so that our rich heritage can be wiped out and the great bounty contained in our traditional lands be made available for exploitation by large multi-national companies,” wrote Spence.

Spence plans to spend her days during the hunger strike on Parliament Hill and her evenings on nearby Victoria Island where she will sleep inside a structure there." SOURCE

Attawapiskat chief's hunger strike part of wider movement.
Grassroots movement Idle No More driven by social media.
CBC News | Posted: Dec 18, 2012 3:44 PM ET

Chief Spence exclusive interview with CBC News.

 
"As Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence continues her hunger strike on Parliament Hill in an attempt to get a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a grassroots protest movement of First Nations activists across Canada has united on social media and at public rallies.

Idle No More's supporters say they are upset about the effects of the Harper government's policies on their communities. They want First Nations to be recognized as sovereign stakeholders in decisions affecting the country's land and resources.

A large group performed a Round Dance at the Cornwall Centre in Regina to raise awareness of their Idle No More campaign on Dec. 17. (Submitted to CBC)

Spence’s hunger strike underscores that wish. Now, after more than a week without eating, concern is mounting about her health as she protests what she sees as a lack of respect for the treaty rights of First Nations.

Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit has been keeping a close eye on developments with Spence.
Louttit said leaders and communities across the country are uniting in protest in a way he has not seen in the past.

“They can all relate to the fact that communities are in despair,” he said.

“Over a year ago, Attawapiskat declared an emergency for lack of housing and they are still not out of the woods. And they brought national attention to their issue. And people are seeing that and feeling that.”

Louttit said Spence's protest shows a long-standing fight over treaty rights has come to a head.

Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit. (CBC)

“The government does not want to talk about the treaty,” he said.

“The way they look at it is ‘this is 120 years ago and that's old business.’ But we are saying the treaty of 1905 is as relevant in terms of spirit and intent then as it is now.”

Attawapiskat is covered by Treaty No. 9.

Author and Nipissing University Prof. John Long, who has written a book about the treaty, said there is conflict due to interpretation.

“Virtually every treaty has this built-in contradiction,” he said.

“One party looks on it as a real estate transaction, giving up the land and rights to the land and the resources…and the other party says, ‘We agreed to share and there were promises made to help us and protect us.’”

'Massive gulfs between people'

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan told a CBC reporter last week that the rallies are a result of social media.

"We'll just have to see where that goes," he said.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)

Duncan proposed a meeting with Spence to discuss issues affecting Attawapiskat, but there was no response.

Quebec City-based writer and activist Nora Loreto recently blogged, "Idle No More has reminded me that there exists massive gulfs between people, experiences and awareness."

She claims there’s been an “effective media blackout” on the cause.

“After an aggressive social media campaign, flash mobs, rallies, blockades, co-ordinated actions, letters of support from national unions and a hunger strike, the media coverage has still been significantly lacking,” she said.

“How can someone know what’s going on if none of their friends are talking about it?”

‘Moving towards sustainability’

The campaign was started by four women from Saskatchewan who were protesting against a number of bills before Parliament. They are particularly critical of Bill C-45, the government's omnibus budget legislation, which they say weakens environmental laws.

"There are many examples of other countries moving towards sustainability, and we must demand sustainable development as well," says a manifesto published on the group's website, idlenomore.com.

Theresa Spence on Parliament Hill at the start of her hunger strike Dec. 11. (Facebook)
"We believe in healthy, just, equitable and sustainable communities and have a vision and plan of how to build them."

Louttit is concerned that Spence’s quest to bring this message to Canada’s top leaders is heading down an unhealthy path, however.

“She's a mother and a grandmother and there's a lot of people, I think, that are worried about her,” he said.

The federal opposition parties and the head of the Assembly of First Nations have urged Harper to take steps to end the hunger strike.

In a letter to Harper, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair called on the prime minister and the Governor General to meet with aboriginal leaders to end the protests.

"I ask that you please act swiftly to avoid a personal tragedy for Chief Spence," Mulcair wrote. "I look forward to your early positive response to this urgent matter."

Spence has been living in a teepee on Victoria Island in the Ottawa River, less than a kilometre from Parliament Hill, since beginning her fast Dec. 11.

Victoria Island is considered by the Anishinabe as traditional territory. New Democrat MP Paul Dewar visited Spence on the island Tuesday and reported that she is so far in good health.

Harper met with Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo as recently as Nov. 28 to review progress the government has been making in addressing aboriginal issues, said spokeswoman Julie Vaux.

"The prime minister hosted an historic gathering of the Crown and First Nations this past January," Vaux said in an email.

"Since then, the government has been working with First Nations leadership to make progress in several areas, most notably education and infrastructure on reserve."

The Liberals and the Assembly of First Nations also sent letters Tuesday to Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss Spence's demands.

"I urge you to agree to participate in this meeting and meet with Chief Theresa Spence to hear directly from her why she has felt it necessary to take such drastic action," wrote Liberal aboriginal affairs critic Carolyn Bennett." SOURCE

.............................................................................................................................. 
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare
 

Canadian First Nations: "Idle No More"

Have you heard about the Canadian "Idle No More" movement. It is "calling on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water."

"Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth."

Below is a press release taken from the movement's website followed by an article Idle No More Is Not Just an "Indian Thing." by Wab Kinew, Director of Indigenous Inclusion, the University of Winnipeg:

"Idle No More began with 4 women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon, sharing a vision of bringing together all people to ensure we create ways of protecting Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people.

The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people do not do something. It became very evident that the women MUST do something about the colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through the Government of Canada’s parliamentary system. They began with a piece of legislation called Bill C-45 which attacked the land base reserved for Indigenous people. The women decided that they would call a rally to inform the public that this bill intended to, without consent give the minister of indian affairs power to surrender the lands reserved. They felt that this would ultimately make room for oil, nuclear and gas industries to tear up the land for profit. From this rally they also informed the public on other legislation that affected and ignored the treaties made with the crown but also the waters, land and people that it would impact in very harmful ways.

The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind

- Stand up and speak up against undemocratic and internationally illegal government acts. These rallies took place all across the country. The women seen that there were many other communities that needed to come together in an act solidarity and resurgence to assert their inherent rights as a sovereign Nation, thus The National Day of Solidarity and Resurgence was called for December 10, 2012. This was an enormous event that never in history seen many nations and diverse groups of people come together. These events and acts have continued to grow and from the talk of grassroots has no intention of slowing down. The group called Idle No More have witnessed these events spreading out internationally within the United States as well as the United Kingdom sharing in helping to support our cause of opposing the government’s actions as well as support to asserting our Nationhood.

The women will continue and remain in a position to have the grassroots voices be heard by; Supporting and encouraging grassroots to create their own forums to learn more about Indigenous rights and our responsibilities to our Nationhood via teach-ins, rallies and social media. Build relationships and create understanding with allies across Canada. Take steps to contribute to building relationships with international agencies such as the UN to raise awareness to the conditions Indigenous people have been subjected to and assert our sovereignty in the international arena. Acknowledge and honor the hard work of all grassroots people who have worked, and continue to work towards these goals. They are the inspiration for IDLE NO MORE

Mission

Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous sovereignty and begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit.

We contend that:
The Treaties are nation to nation agreements between Canada and First Nations who are sovereign nations. The Treaties are agreements that cannot be altered or broken by one side of the two Nations. The spirit and intent of the Treaty agreements meant that First Nations peoples would share the land, but retain their inherent rights to lands and resources. Instead, First Nations have experienced a history of colonization which has resulted in outstanding land claims, lack of resources and unequal funding for services such as education and housing.

We contend that:

Canada has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world by using the land and resources. Canadian mining, logging, oil and fishing companies are the most powerful in the world due to land and resources. Some of the poorest First Nations communities (such as Attawapiskat) have mines or other developments on their land but do not get a share of the profit. The taking of resources has left many lands and waters poisoned – the animals and plants are dying in many areas in Canada. We cannot live without the land and water. We have laws older than this colonial government about how to live with the land.

We contend that:

Currently, this government is trying to pass many laws so that reserve lands can also be bought and sold by big companies to get profit from resources. They are promising to share this time…Why would these promises be different from past promises? We will be left with nothing but poisoned water, land and air. This is an attempt to take away sovereignty and the inherent right to land and resources from First Nations peoples.

We contend that:

There are many examples of other countries moving towards sustainability, and we must demand sustainable development as well. We believe in healthy, just, equitable and sustainable communities and have a vision and plan of how to build them. Please join us in creating this vision.

Response to Legislation

Idle No More calls on all people to continue to oppose and reject all imposed legislation originating from the federal government. The unilateral imposition of these Bills is in direct violation of the Treaties and the Treaty relationship that the Original peoples of Turtle Island made with the British Crown. Indigenous peoples and nations have not been consulted and therefore, the actions taken by the federal government does not reflect the international standard of Free Prior and Informed consent. The continued imposition of federal legislation on Indigenous peoples and governments’ is not in line with the legal principles of “acting in good faith” and maintaining the “honour of the Crown”. There are many nations taking action(s) to reflect acts of Indigenous nationhood, sovereignty and jurisdiction in response to the passing of legislation such as Bill C-45 and we must continue on this path. When we stand strong and believe in our ways and assert acts of Nationhood, it does not matter what amount of legislation the federal government introduces or passes because it is not with our consent and therefore, is not applicable. Stand strong and believe in the spirit and intent of our Treaties as that’s what our ancestors are calling us to do.

We must continue to assert acts of nationhood premised on ancient ways and teachings that were given to us in our original instructions by Creator when we were placed here on Turtle Island. We encourage people to advocate for our Mother (the land), the Water (giver of life) and those generations that have yet to come. We must keep that warrior spirit alive and continue the advocacy efforts as there are other Bills in parliament and our energies must be directed towards fighting against them. We will continue to rise up and make our presence known across Turtle Island, the land that is rightfully ours as Creator put us here. Stand Up and Rise UP - this Fight is NOT Over. We need you all in this - we shall PERSEVERE!" SOURCE

Idle No More Is Not Just an "Indian Thing."

By Wab Kinew, Director of Indigenous Inclusion, the University of Winnipeg
The Huffington Post, Canada
Posted: 12/17/2012 12:28 pm

"What is "Idle No More"?

It is a loosely knit political movement encompassing rallies drawing thousands of people across dozens of cities, road blocks, a shoving match on Parliament hill between Chiefs and mounties and one high profile hunger strike.

It is also a meme tweeted and shared about thousands of times a day, for messages about indigenous rights, indigenous culture and cheap indigenous jokes ("Turn off your ignition #idlenomore").

The name Idle No More comes from Alberta. A few weeks back Sylvia McAdam and three other female lawyers were mad about Bill C-45, the omnibus budget bill. Their biggest frustration was that nobody seemed to be talking about it. Two provisions in particular upset them: the reduction in the amount of federally protected waterways and a fast tracked process to surrender reserve lands. In McAdam's view, if Aboriginal people did not speak out it would mean they "comply with [their] silence." So she and her friends decided to speak out. They would be "Idle No More." They held an information session under the same name. Co-organizer Tanya Kappo fired off a tweet with the hashtag "#IdleNoMore."

#IdleNoMore struck a nerve. Though bill C-45 has become law, many of Aboriginal people have voiced their opposition to it. Many of the other tensions in the indigenous community has started to bubble up to the surface and "Idle No More" now encompasses a broad conversation calling for recognition of treaty rights, revitalization of indigenous cultures and an end to legislation imposed without meaningful consultation.

To me this conversation is more than just an "Indian Thing." It is one that Canadians of all backgrounds should pay attention to, if not participate in. The ideals that are underlying this action are ones to which we all aspire, even if we may disagree on how exactly to pursue them.

5. #IdleNoMore is about Engaging Youth

When Grand Chief Derek Nepinak went on national television after he and some other leaders got into that shoving match outside the chamber, he acknowledged the Chiefs were responding to young people calling for action via social media. At the rallies held in cities like Winnipeg, Windsor and Edmonton, it has been the youth who have done the organizing, and it has been the youth who have made up the majority of attendees. Scanning Facebook and Twitter, "#IdleNoMore" has popped up in the timelines of people who typically discuss Snookie or the Kardashians. Agree or disagree with the message, Idle No More has accomplished something all Canadians want: it has young people paying attention to politics.

4. #IdleNoMore is about Finding Meaning

Much of the talk around Idle No More is about preserving indigenous culture, either by revitalizing spiritual practices, or by keeping intact what little land base we have left. The reason culture is so important is that it provides a way to grapple with the big questions in life: "Who am I?," "What am I doing here?" and "What happens after I die?" Some of the answers have been handed down as words of wisdom. Other times, you are told to go out on to the land and discover them for yourself through fasting or prayer. We need these ways. As I look around and see many fellow Canadians searching for meaning in their own lives, I think to myself perhaps they could use these ways as well.

3. #IdleNoMore is about Rights

What almost everyone carrying the Idle No More banner is calling for is meaningful consultation between the federal government and First Nations people. This is what section 35 of our constitution is all about: Aboriginal and treaty rights are recognized and affirmed, and that means we have to talk. If there is no meaningful conversation happening, it is troublesome. Aboriginal people may be the canary in the coal mine. If we overlook one section of the constitution does that mean others are in similar jeopardy?

2. #IdleNoMore is about the Environment

Idle No More started in part because of outrage that Bill C-45 reduced the number of federally protected waterways. The environment continues to be a regular topic at Idle No More protests. Dr. Pam Palmater, one of the leading voices in the Idle No More conversation, argues this is indigenous environmentalism is significant since the crown has a duty to consult with Aboriginal people before natural resource projects proceed. She says, "First Nations are Canadians' last, best hope of protecting the land, water, sky and plants and animals for their future generations as well."

1. #IdleNoMore is about Democracy

Democracy thrives when well-informed people are engaged and make their voices heard. Idle No More started with four young lawyers trying to inform the people in their communities about an issue they were passionate about. Now many people are engaged. Even more information is being shared, and even more voices are being heard. There is no one leader or "list of demands" attributable to Idle No More. While this may seem chaotic, this is what democracy is all about. Democracy is messy. Democracy is loud. Democracy is about hearing a wide ranges of voices and trying to build a path forward among them. It is not about shutting off debate or trying to rush things in through the back door." SOURCE

Uploaded by yakidk89

TRIBAL VOICE
By Yothu Yindi

There’s a wakening of a rainbow dawn

And the sun will rise up high

There’s a whisper in the morning light

Saying, "Get up and meet the day!"

But inside my mind there is a tribal voice

And it's speaking to me every day

And all I have to do is to make a choice

'Cause I know there is no other way.

All the people in the world are dreaming [Get up, stand up!]

Some of us cry for the rights of survival now [Get up, stand up!]

Saying, "Come on, come on! Stand up for your rights!"

While others don’t give a damn

They’re all waiting for a perfect day

Better get up and fight for your rights

Don’t be afraid of the move you make

You'd better listen to your tribal voice!

All the people in the world are dreaming [Get up, stand up!]

Some of us cry for the rights of survival now [Get up, stand up!]

Saying, "Come on, come on! Stand up for your rights!"

While others don’t give a damn

They’re all waiting for a perfect day

Better get up and fight for your rights

Don’t be afraid of the move that you make

You'd better listen to your tribal voice!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice!

One voice for Mother Earth

Well, I wonder if it’s part of history

Full of influence and mystery

From where the spirits of my people

Who have just gone before

Into the future of another day

All the people in the world are dreaming [Get up, stand up!]

Some of us cry for the rights of survival now [Get up, stand up!]

Saying, "Come on, come on! Stand up for your rights!"

While others don’t give a damn

They are all waiting for a perfect day

Better get up and fight for your rights

Don’t be afraid of the move you make

You'd better listen to your tribal voice

You'd better listen to your tribal voice

You'd better listen to your tribal voice

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Gumatj!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Rirratjingu!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Wangurri!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Djapu!

You better listen to your tribal voice. Dhalwangu!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Ngaymil!

You'd better listen to your tribal voice. Dattwuy!

You better listen to your tribal voice. Galpu!

Dances OF Life (Maori Haka)

"Man may disappear. Man will disappear but the land will always be here. We are only the guardians of the land. This is our belief."

Make the earth tremble as hard as you can
As hard as we can
No, I am alive! Life is mine!
I will be defeated! I will die!
No, I take back my life! Life is mine!
I am born of distinguished people
whose legacy shines on me like the sun
Keep abreast! Keep abreast!
In your ranks! Hold fast! Into the shining sun!

Día de la Resistencia Indígena, Venezuela ..............................................................................................................................  

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

 Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare
 

Our History: Nothing That A Coat Of Paint Won't Fix.

Amerindian etching defaced.
Trinidad Express Newspapers | Aug 30, 2012 at 12:53 AM ECT

"When Cristo Adonis, the Pyai of the Santa Rosa Carib Community, took a small tour group to the site of the petroglyphs at Caurita, he certainly was not prepared for the sight that awaited them atop the hill. The surface of the stone that bore the Amerindian etchings had been freshly dressed with oil paint.

Adonis had taken a group that included a teacher and an MPhil student of the University of the West Indies into the hills of Caurita to visit the famous site. According to Adonis, from the start of the trek, he noticed that the previously overgrown trail to the site had been cleared. This told him that people were in the area recently.

As they climbed their way up the hill, Adonis shared his intimate knowledge of the area to the group, describing the healing powers of certain plants, the significance of resident flora and fauna to indigenous cultures and climaxing it all with a dispensation on the Caurita Petroglyph.

When the group reached the site, shock registered on all their faces as they saw the desecration wrought on the surface of the stone. Some one or some people had painted the etchings in stark white oil paint.

According to Adonis, the indigenous community regards this petroglyph as having special spiritual significance and it is a large part of ancestral life that we are now beginning to understand.

"I felt my whole spirit gone!"

Usually when people visit the site they find that the etchings are slightly covered by mosses. This is always cleared away easily so that the figures could be discernible. For photographic purposes, chalk is used to highlight the depictions as this quickly and easily disappears soon after. The oil paint however has permanence.

Adonis had just recently deciphered an important part of the etchings that had previously gone unnoticed. Adonis recognised the hawk. The hawk is of spiritual significance to the Amerindian peoples, so too does the deer.

The more prominent depictions such as the deer, fish, portraits with ceremonial head dress, the waterfall and other figures have all been acknowledged by the indigenous community of present day Amerindian descendants. Etchings of the hawk however went unnoticed until the Pyai discovered it.

This discovery of the hawk by Adonis goes one step further in interpreting the petroglyph as a whole.

"This hawk was not oil painted over because whoever did this did not make it out. Thank God for that!"

The petroglyph at Caurita stands as a monument of special significance to descendants of Amerindian ancestry. The community is at present lobbying for this site to be declared a National Heritage Site.

Adonis has promised to make another trip up to the site to try to clean the oil paint off the stone."

Cristo Adonis, Pyai of the Santa Rosa Carib Community.

Photo - Trinidad Express Newspaper

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A Note From The Gull

When I read the story above about the defacing of the Caurita petroglyphs*, I was dismayed and hastily jumped to one conclusion about the perps. My apologies to CEPEP if I am wrong, but I assumed that that band or some equally energetic administrative sibling, when confronted with the mother of all stones, had proceeded undaunted to whitewash.

I appreciate that the fervour with which the task must have been approached could have been inspired in no small way by preparations for the Jubilee and I'd like to think that the deed was done out of a sincere though misguided wish to "beautify" and highlight a unique and for many of us still mysterious but persistent aboriginal thread in our nation's rich history.

I have seen no follow up story to explain who did this so I remain caught between condemnation and commiseration. While I wait for answers that may never come, I can rant that this is the sort of ignorance/carelessness that should have been eradicated after 50 years!!! but I remember that there are many octogenarians among us who may or may not admit to the fact that they have had an even longer lifetime to fail at eradicating their own flaws.

And then I find myself going completely silent when I look around and ask myself why should I protest the desecration of my ancestors' surviving sacred places as if they are somehow of more importance than any other abused thing - living or inanimate - of great beauty and significance in this place - this place itself that has been consistently whitewashed since its "discovery".

Who can deny that there has been an ongoing project of cultural, social, environmental defacement in the service of alien visions of "beautification", "improvement", "development", "progress", "modernization"? And haven't we observed the subversion of many things that do not bend to these notions and often their eventual incorporation as tools to be used towards the general blanchiment or soul death that is increasingly evident.

One line from our Prime Minister's Independence Address comes back to me:

"What is the purpose of a society in which the landscape appears to be more modern but there is an absence of values?"

AHAKUTUWATIWA, ALËLEKATIWA, AKUYAWATIWA!
We awake, we laugh, we return!

So I will take a deep breath and rewind as I do prefer to hope with our PM that her vision for a transformation of this society becomes a reality. I trust that this "transformation" will be more about allowing our diversity and all that is already true and beautiful and perfect to prosper and increase than about erecting a stifling and one dimensional facade of order via policing and paint.

Thank you, Cristo Adonis, for continuing to care and to share and teach. I know that you will do your best to undo the damage that has been done to this site. To the experts on cultural matters - Do we have something like an Antiquities Act that protects sites like the one at Caurita?

*When I created the banner above I used part of a photo of the Caurita petroglyphs. I choose this banner whenever I am publishing posts which I consider to be hopeful and positive. In this way I continue to pay tribute to the endurance of my Amerindian ancestors and to their living legacy.

Update: 12:03:2013

Heritage sites slip into further disrepair - ‘Trinis too indifferent’. By Zahra Gordon | Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Online | Monday, March 11, 2013.

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Santa Rosa Carib Community of Arima, Trinidad and Tobago [Video]

Created and uploaded by Maximilian Forte
..............................................................................................................................




A Note From The Gull

"They are homeless in a land that was theirs." --Chief Ricardo Bharath Hernandez

Oh, I LOVE this video! I hope there is much more on this to come. There are so many facets to our amazing country that are often overlooked and I rejoiced to see highlighted in this video so much that is familiar to me.

Although I have never heard it suggested, I think that Maximilian Forte is among the best friends of the First Nations peoples of Trinidad and Tobago. Although I have seldom heard his work being credited in Trinidad and Tobago, he has spent many years distilling and generously sharing his research findings via many publications in traditional formats and on the Internet. Although Maximilian Forte is not a national of Trinidad and Tobago, I consider him a Trinbagonian because he quietly persists, like many unsung Trinbagonians, to hold up his end for this country.

I believe that he was was the first to brush aside the extinction myth and the tendency to talk about First Nations peoples as artifacts and to document in the present, the resurgence of the Carib Community, to attempt to clarify land rights issues, to explore the relations of that community with the Catholic Church, the state [as coloured by various political parties], the media and the growing interaction between our indigenous peoples with an international network of indigenous groups and movements.

Maximilian Forte, thanks for the love!

American Indian Prayer
[As recited by Chief Ricardo Bharath Hernandez - Video position 20:15]

Oh, Great Spirit
Whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world,
hear me, I am small and weak,
I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold
the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have
made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand the things
you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have
hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my Spirit may come to you without shame.

(translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887)
published in Native American Prayers - by the Episcopal Church. Source

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Haiti, Don't Drink The Water!

Don't Drink The Water
By Dave Matthews Band

Come out, come out! No use in hiding.
Come now, come now, can you not see?
There's no place here. What were you expecting?
No, not room for both, just room for me
So you will lay your arms down
Yes, I will call this home.

Away, away! You have been banished
Now your land is gone and given to me
And here I will spread my wings
Yes, I will call this home

What's this you say? You feel the right to remain?
Then stay, I will bury you!
What's this you say? Your father's spirit still lives in this place?
Well, I will silence you!

Here's the hitch, your horse is leaving
Don't miss your boat, it's leaving now
And as you go, I will spread my wings
Yes, I will call this home.

Well, I have no time to justify to you
Fool, you're blind, move aside for me!
And all I can say to you, my new neighbour
Is you must move on or I will bury you!

Now, as I rest my feet by this fire
Those hands once warmed here
Well, I have retired them
I can breathe my own air and
I can sleep more soundly
Upon these poor souls
I'll build heaven and call it home.

'Cause you're all dead now.

And I live with my justice
And I live with my greedy need
And I live with no mercy
And I live with my frenzied feeding
And I live with my hatred
And I live with my jealousy
And I live with the notion
I don't need anyone but me...

Don't drink the water! Don't drink the water!
There's blood in the water!
Don't drink the water! Don't drink the water! Don't drink the water!
There's blood in the water!
Don't drink the water! Don't drink the water! Don't drink the water!
Don't drink the water!
There's blood in the water!....


..................................................................................................................
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Naboria Daca, Mayanimacaná [Song]

Uploaded by hjamelet

Naboria Daca, Mayanimacaná
By Juan Luis Guerra

Taino lyrics:
Naboria daca ae,
mayanimacaná
naboria daca guaitiao,
mayanimacaná
naboria daca eo

Naboria daca ae
naboria daca eo
a mayanimacaná
naboria daca ae
naboria daca eo
a mayanimacaná
naboria daca ae
naboria daca eo

naboria daca eo
naboria daca eo
mayani mayanimacaná
naboria daca eo
naboria daca eo

Calichi
guarico guakía
calichi
guariquén
machichi
mayanimacaná
machichi
yu
peiti
ris
Naboria daca, mayanimacaná, mayanimacaná,
mayanimacaná!
naboria daca eo

machichi
mayanimacaná
machichi
yu
peiti
ris
Naboria daca, mayanimacaná, mayanimacaná,
mayanimacaná!
naboria daca eo...

English lyrics:

I am a servant
don’t kill me
I am a servant
your blood brother
don’t kill me
I am a servant
I am a servant
don’t kill me
I am a servant
Stream from the high mountain
Come to us
Stream from the high mountain
Look, come and see
my heart
don’t kill me
my heart
white
black
red
I am a servant
don’t kill me,
don’t kill me
don’t kill me!

Spanish lyrics:

Soy un siervo
no me mates
soy un siervo
tu hermano de sangre
no me mates
soy un siervo
soy un siervo
no me mates
soy un siervo
Fuente de la montaña alta
ven a nosotros
fuente de la montaña alta
mira, ven a ver
mi corazon
no me mates
mi corazon
blanco
negro
rojo
Soy un siervo
no me mates,
no me matas,
no me matas!

..............................................................................................................................


A Note From The Gull

Thank you, Juan Luis Guerra, for this haunting trip back into the past, this song that has been described as the Anthem of the Taino Resurgence.

Listening to this song always makes me sad. I don't think only about the pain that was visited upon the First Nations people of the Americas including those who once occupied our islands of Trinidad and Tobago and were direct ancestors to many of us today although some are not even aware of this blood connection.

I hear the voices of all oppressed humanity in this song. As I said elsewhere, I do very much believe that we are ALL First Nations people and especially in places like Trinidad and Tobago, where our ancestors came from every corner of the globe, some by physical force, some by force of necessity, all experiencing loss at some if not all levels.

And many of us in this region continue to feel loss because of geopolitical factors. I remember once reading a speech by Fidel Castro in which he made the statement that "we are the new Indians of this hemisphere."

"2. [Text] I have also referred to the 500th anniversary of the so-called discovery of America, everything that occurred throughout the centuries, and therefore that scientist's efforts had such a human content, but now we need a lot of [word indistinct] so they will understand and defend us. Because we are the new Indians of this hemisphere. I was saying that in my opinion, when we analyze the social and economic situation of our peoples, I said that the level of exploitation is greater, and in my opinion, in this hemisphere our peoples have become net exporters of capital to the rich countries, to those who have exploited us for centuries, those who made themselves the owners with our....[rephrases] those that became rich with our sweat and blood, and today continue to exploit us. Source: Castro Comments on Relations With Brazil: Address to Clergy in Sao Paulo, 19 Mar, 1990.

I agreed with that statement but I also acknowledged that as leaders and citizens, we make choices to collude or to surrender so one can arrive at either of two conclusions - "We LIKE it so" or "It MUST be so."

I suppose the Eurythmics, in their "Sweet Dreams" said it best with no tiresome attempt at philosophical fine-tuning:

"Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
I travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something.

Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused."

.................................................................................................................................
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Carib Queen Terminally Ill.

Valentina Medina and Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh
T&T Newsday Photo
Carib queen terminally ill.
By Rhondor Dowlat
Trinidad & Tobago's Newsday | Sunday, August 22 2010

"CARIB QUEEN Valentina Medina, 77, of Arima has been given an estimated two weeks to live by medical doctors.

To help her through her last days, Minister of the People and Social Development Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh, on Friday, in a surprise visit, provided her with an assistant medical care nurse, free of charge. She was also given a stove and a refrigerator and promised “whatever would make her life comfortable”.

Medina has made several requests of the Government, including a permanent caregiver to be assigned to her and coverage of all medical expenses and facilities required by her.

Ramadharsingh reportedly got wind of her and her situation/requests and decided to pay her a visit and grant her her wishes, taking into consideration her contribution to society and also the fact, that she represented the Carib community and what the Caribs contributed to TT heritage.

Medina has been terminally ill, having being diagnosed with cancer. Though in a lot of pain and discomfort, her spirit is quite strong, and she is not afraid.

The cancer has covered most of her liver and has spread to her lungs, but she is not yet experiencing respiratory problems.

Additionally, she is still able to ingest small amounts of food and fluid and can walk short distances on her own.

Medina’s challenge is that although several family members reside with her, most times during the day she is alone, with no one to assist her. Her stated desire is to die at home.

Ramadharsingh spent about one hour interacting with her and sharing a few laughs in between. They both discussed the Carib heritage and she showed him her crown and other cultural items.

Medina was said to be “totally overjoyed” and appreciative of Ramadharsingh’s gestures and delivery of social services, including the provision of a medical care assistant.

Medina was born on May 6 1933, in Mount Pleasant, Arima. She is the fifth Carib Queen since the introduction in 1875.

On March 26, 2000, Medina, of Mausica Lands, Arima, also known as Iere, was named Carib Queen for life, at an election at the Santa Rosa Carib Community Centre in Arima.

Medina who was 66 years old at the time she was named the fifth Queen after Justa Werges, has been queen for the previous 11 years. Werges died in January 2000.

Though she embraced the Carib way of life since childhood, after her marriage at 18 years in 1952 to John Medina, she was called on by then Queen (Edith Martinez) to be more active in traditional Carib life.

She was named queen for a day three different times and her husband was named king for the day as well."

..............................................................................................................................
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

Hon. Basdeo Panday: International Indigenous Gathering 2000.

Remarks At The Launching Of International Indigenous Gathering 2000.
Speaker: Hon. Basdeo Panday, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Date: 29th June 2000
Venue: Carib Community Centre
Occasion: The Launching Of International Indigenous Gathering 2000.

The Honourable Basdeo Panday
Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago
1995-2000, 2000-2001

My Dear Friends:

I am delighted to be here.

You have honoured me by inviting me to visit your Community and take part in this very important event.

My Dear Friends;
My Brothers and Sisters of the Carib Community;
My Brothers and Sisters of the National Family of Trinidad and Tobago:

For one week, this August, from the 25th to the 30th, Amerindians from across the Caribbean, and from North, Central and South America, will assemble here in Trinidad and Tobago for the International Indigenous Gathering 2000.

A week before that gathering of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, Scholars from all over the world will gather here in Trinidad and Tobago for the World Hindu Conference - 2000.

During the week preceding that gathering of Hindu Scholars from all over the world, another related landmark event will take place here in Trinidad and Tobago.

That event will be the International Conference on Asian Migrations to the Americas, which will be organised by the Department of History of the University of the West Indies.
Last August, as you may recall, prominent Orisha Leaders from all over the world gathered here in Trinidad and Tobago for the Sixth World Congress of Orisha Tradition and Culture.

My Dear Friends:
In no other country of the world will this unique confluence of cultures take place. This conjuncture of cultures is a timely reminder of who we really are and what our beloved country is all about.

Today, at this moment, we stand on land that was the land of the ancestors of our hosts, the members of the Santa Rosa Carib Community.

This land was their land; Then came the colonizers from Europe.

The indigenous peoples of the Americas were the first victims of Europe’s colonizers.

The first nations were the first to be colonized in the Americas.

Not only did the colonizers seize the land - and the resources on these lands - they were guilty of a serious libel against the indigenous people of our islands, whom they described as savages; and in certain instances, as cannibals.

My Dear Friends:
Given what has gone before, it was inevitable that in these times of rising consciousness, the Caribs of the Caribbean would call for recognition and respect.

Such a call has come from the Caribs of our country; the people who are assembled here, not the beer.

By the way, it is not surprising that in some quarters there is rising demand for a strong and sustained assertion that a Carib is not a Beer.

I fully support the call for Trinidad and Tobago to recognise and respect its first people, the Caribs.

The call for recognition of the Carib presence in our country deserves positive responses from the Government and from the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

I give the commitment, now, that I will pursue the actions necessary to ensure that in accordance with the wishes of the Santa Rosa Carib Community, October 14th be designated a "Day of Recognition" to celebrate the Carib Community in our Republic.

Let me stress that the Carib Community has not petitioned for a Public Holiday.

The members of the Community have simply asked that this country give recognition and respect on a special day to its indigenous people, its first immigrants.

My Friends:
We must, of course, go beyond giving recognition to our Carib Community for one day. We must recognise that this place was their space long before the other people who came before Columbus, as well as those who came after, those who came from India, from Africa, and from Europe included.

The Caribs have petitioned the Government for the grant of State Lands for the establishment of a Carib Village, together with land for the establishment of a Carib Forest Reserve.

I support those aims, in principle.

I have asked that the competent agencies of Government treat this request with due diligence and with due despatch.

There can be no guarantees that the parcel of land that has been identified will be available.
Nor can there be any guarantee as to the amount of land that may be available.

I am, however, committed to working to ensure that our Carib Community should have land on which to locate an ancestral home.

There can be no objection to the grant of ceremonial lands to our Carib brothers and sisters.

Our brothers and sisters whose ancestors trace their roots to Africa and to India have already been so favoured.

Brothers and Sisters:
As I said at the beginning of my remarks, this August, will bring to Trinidad and Tobago a unique confluence of cultures, Amerindians, Hindus, Asians.

They will gather here from lands near and afar, in a land that they see to be a legitimate incubator for diversity.

In some ways, in certain senses, Trinidad and Tobago is as much a crucible of diversity as it is an incubator.

But to our great and widely envied credit, we, you and I, here in Trinidad and Tobago, we have forged a union between differing cultures, differing races, differing creeds that, without our recognising it, has made our nation a Mecca for immigrant groups of many a Diaspora.

This reality should force upon us the consciousness that no one group should ever be permitted dominance over any other group, irrespective of the origins or circumstances of such groups.

My Friends:

The theme selected for the International Indigenous Gathering could well apply all three international conferences that will take place here in August.

"Many Places; One People."

What an apt description of how our nation has been fashioned.

My Brothers and Sisters:
It is easy for us to take these things for granted.

It is easy for us to be directed by the powerful organs that shape popular mood, thought, attitudes.

Imagine, for instance, being enjoined by a national newspaper, in its considered corporate opinion, that existing legal barriers to obscenity in the performance arts be removed.

Would such licence extend to the Savannah Stage, to MOBS 2? Where will the licence end? This call for licence and licentiousness comes as the Ministry of Education is working with the nation’s educators and with our religious bodies to re-frame the syllabus to place new emphasis on religious values, on values in education.

Where will there begin a concomitant responsibility with entitlement?

But back to the business of the day; the call for a place in the sun from voices that have been muted throughout the millennia.

It is estimated that man - and woman, let me add - first arrived in the new world 20 to 35 millennia before Columbus came.

That first wave of immigrants, came, we are told, from Asia.

It is our obligation to work to ensure that our aspiration, our commitment, our belief that every creed and race should find an equal place should embrace those whose ancestors came before Columbus, as well as those who have come since.

We must, also, ever be grateful that here in Trinidad and Tobago, we have been truly blessed in having such a confluence of cultures, while successfully avoiding any serious clash, because of those cultures.

We have, so far, respected the diversity which defines our society.

Consider that the Orishas and the Hindus and the Asians and the Amerindians have chosen to gather here in our country in international congress.

This is a statement of profound eloquence.

It is a statement to which we must give enduring recognition.

Trinidad and Tobago has every reason to pride itself as a model nation of the new millennium.

We are a model nation where, from many places, we have come to dwell together as one people.

My Dear Friends:
On this occasion, during the Santa Rosa Celebrations, during the week of August 25th to August 30th, and on November 14th, it will be fitting that Trinidad and Tobago concedes to its Carib citizens the position that should never be denied them, that they are our nation’s first people.

Ladies and Gentlemen; My Dear Friends:
My Brothers and Sisters:
I trust that the business community will give meaningful support to the initiatives of the Carib Community to define a presence in their homeland.

I assure you that the support of the Government will be readily given. I look forward to welcoming our Amerindian Brothers and Sisters and First Peoples from around the globe to the International Gathering of Indigenous peoples, in the fourth week of August.

I trust, that as a prelude to that gathering, our entire nation will embrace as our beloved brothers and sisters, the members of the Carib Community of Trinidad and Tobago.

Thank you for inviting me.
May God Bless you all.

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"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare