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What is the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community?

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What is the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community?

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The Santa Rosa First Peoples Community is a major organization of the Indigenous people of Trinidad and Tobago. The community was made public in 1973 and its purpose is to protect and preserve the history and culture of the Amerindians. Many years ago, the ancestors of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community left South America and came to Trinidad and Tobago. They lived freely until Christopher Columbus claimed the island in the name of Spain.

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The leaders and members of the Community.

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The leaders and members of the Community.

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The Santa Rosa First Peoples Community has over one thousand (1000) active members. The community is led by a council of Elders who are Chief Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez, Carib Queen Nona Lopez Aquan and Sharman/Pyai/Medicine Man Cristo Adonis.

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The influence of the Amerindians in Trinidad and Tobago.

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The influence of the Amerindians in Trinidad and Tobago.

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The history of the Amerindians can be found all over our country by the names of places, foods, lifestyles and even musical instruments.

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The Water Ritual of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community.

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The Water Ritual of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community.

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The community are nature worshippers and they often perform a water ritual. They believe that water is a sacred thing and they must always show their respect and gratitude to the God/Spirit of Water. For the ritual, the member visit a river wearing their traditional attire and the Chief prepares various offerings and a 'special wash' made from herbs. The wash is used by the members for cleansing before the ritual begins. While the Chief gives the offerings, music is played using drums, chac-chacs and singing. The remaining water is then poured into the river and the members wash their faces, hands and necks in the river.