The First

Peoples’ Water
Ritual
Done By:
Joy David
Shannen Adolphus
Sydney Lezama
Theme for 2021

“Respect and
Honour to the
First Peoples.”
Introduction
The Water Ritual is part of the First Peoples’ Heritage Week that takes place in October.. It is meant to
honour the sacred traditions of their ancestors and to carry on these traditions to the younger generation.
What is the Water Ritual and the
significance of it?
It is a practice in which the Indigenous people
gather to do offerings to the God/Spirit of water
and to their ancestors. Being nature
worshippers, water, being part of the natural
elements, holds a vital role in their beliefs. They
think of water as ‘Life’. So each year, the First
Peoples gather together to pay respects to the
natural elements and to their ancestors.
What do they do?
On the day of the ritual, members of the Community, internationally recognized indigenous tribes,
religious fraternities, and spectators congregate at the ceremonial site. Believers come dressed in
traditional wear. At the ceremonial grounds, the Chief enlightens the congregation about the ritual.
Alongside the other members, he prepares the site, offerings and a special wash made from herbs.
This wash is used by devotees for cleansing before participation in the ceremony. When the official
ceremony begins, the congregation gathers around the site, one by one devotees step forth and make
their offering to the Unseen God, Tamushi. This activity is accompanied by steady rhythmic
drumming, chanting, and the shaking of chac-chacs, maracas and other musical instruments. Before
the ceremony concludes, devotees pour the remainder of these offerings into the river. Members who
desire wade in the water, where they wash their hands, face, and neck.
 Chief, Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez
Former Carib Queen Jennifer Cassar (deceased) raises cassava bread towards the
captured preparing mixture, which will be used for heavens in offering.
purification by devotees
 
 What Do They Wear?
During the ritual, the devotees come adorned in
their traditional wear.This includes knitted /
crocheted wool clothing, intricate headpieces and
engraved chac-chacs of all styles and sizes.
Fashioned in vibrant colours inclusive of scarlet red,
sunny yellow, majestic blue, and lily white, the
traditional attire worn by members produce a
spectacle reminiscent of a sea of colour, while
inspiring awe and reverence for the heritage of the
First Peoples.
Where Does It Take Place?
The ritual takes place at the Arima River, early in the
morning.
Pictures
Dance
Significance of Steps
1. The Jewellery Maker(1st move) – The Tainos painted
themselves in bright colours and adorned themselves with
self-made jewellery. This is a representation of that.

2. The Basket(6th move) – This is a representation of

how the First peoples used to collect their crops that they
planted.
 Thank for your undivided
attention and we hoped you
enjoyed our presentation!