Our work
The First Peoples Sovereign Nation is dedicated to achieving recognition, equality, and political representation for Indigenous communities in Trinidad and Tobago. Our advocacy includes efforts to establish a national holiday honoring the First Peoples, removing colonial signs and symbols, and ensuring Indigenous people are recognized equally alongside every other ethnic group in the nation. Additionally, we seek to improve access to healthcare and support for the Warao community, ensuring that their needs are met and their well-being is prioritized.
Advocacy for Indigenous Rights
The First Peoples Sovereign Nation is dedicated to preserving and promoting Indigenous cultural heritage. We actively practice traditional ceremonies, both publicly and within our community, as a means to honor our ancestors and keep our customs alive. Additionally, we are committed to keeping the Warao language alive and practicing traditional crafts, such as basket, hau and hammock weaving, which are integral to our cultural expression.
Promotion of Cultural Heritage
We are deeply committed to environmental stewardship, recognizing the sacred relationship between Indigenous people and the land. Our initiatives include beach cleanups, whale rescue efforts, and the protection of culturally significant sites like the Trinity Hills, Additionally, we actively participate in environmental conferences to share knowledge and collaborate on sustainable practices. Currently, we are working on a project aimed at preventing erosion through the strategic planting of trees, helping to protect our landscapes for future generations.
Environmental Protection
Establishment of the First Peoples Heritage Complex
The First Peoples Heritage Complex, located on the Grand Chief’s estate, serves as a cultural and educational center for the community. This space includes the Great Hall, a venue for gatherings, ceremonies, and educational visits.
Establishment of the Moruga Museum
The Moruga Museum, founded by the First Peoples Sovereign Nation, serves as a cultural and historical repository showcasing the rich heritage of Trinidad. It hosts the biggest collection of Indigenous artifacts in Trinidad as well as non-Indigenous items, offering a comprehensive view of Trinidad’s history from ancient times to the colonial period and beyond. The Museum is Currently being Renovated.
Educational Outreach
We engage with schools and welcome students to the Heritage Complex, where they can learn firsthand about the history of Trinidad’s Indigenous people through authentic artifacts and traditional crafts. Our goal is to provide a meaningful, hands-on learning experience that brings Indigenous history to life for the next generation. If you are interested in us working together with your school please feel free to Contact us.
International Collaboration
We build alliances with Indigenous groups worldwide, particularly those in Suriname, Guyana, and Venezuela, to foster unity and cultural exchange. These partnerships strengthen our mission and advocate for Indigenous sovereignty on a global level.
Archaeological Research
Archaeology plays a vital role in preserving and understanding the history of Trinidad’s Indigenous people. Grand Chief Eric Lewis, who has studied archaeology, has personally participated in several excavations across Trinidad. Collaborating with respected archaeologists, he has contributed to uncovering and preserving significant historical sites, helping to expand knowledge of the island’s ancient past. I adition the first people also have the biggest Artefact collectio in the World.
Building of Heritage Monuments
We have proudly erected First Peoples monuments in Moruga and Chaguanas, symbolizing our enduring presence and contributions to Trinidad’s culture. In Moruga, we have also replaced the Columbus statue with the African Emancipation Monument, acknowledging a more inclusive history and celebrating resilience and liberation.