原住民為知名度而戰

聖羅莎原住民社區的負責人里卡多·巴拉特 (Ricardo Bharath) 表示，現在是給原住民放個國定假日的時候了。

The Chief of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, Ricardo Bharath, is advocating for a national holiday to celebrate the First Peoples' Heritage Day on October 14. He believes that this day should be recognized to highlight the group's unique history, culture, and traditions, which have contributed significantly to Trinidad and Tobago.

聖羅莎原住民社區的負責人 Ricardo Bharath 主張將 10 月 14 日定為全國性節日來慶祝原住民遺產日。立尼達和多巴哥做出了重大貢獻。

Bharath points out that while more First Peoples' history and traditions are being taught in schools, there is still a need for increased representation on boards, in parliament, and other organizations where they can influence change through legislation and other means. He adds that students from both locally and regionally visit their offices regularly to gather information for their studies.

巴拉斯指出，雖然學校正在教授更多原住民的歷史和傳統，但仍需要增加董事會、議會和其他組織中的代表性，以便他們可以透過立法和其他方式影響變革。他補充說，來自當地和地區的學生定期訪問他們的辦公室，收集學習所需的資訊。

At the First Peoples Community Centre in Arima, Bharath explains that infrastructure work at the site is carried out through government tenders, while traditional structures are built by the First Peoples. They have been planting trees, constructing huts, and improving roads and electricity on-site.

在阿里馬的原住民社區中心，巴拉特解釋說，該地點的基礎設施工程是透過政府招標進行的，而傳統建築是由原住民建造的。他們一直在現場植樹、建造小屋、改善道路和電力。

Despite these efforts, Bharath expresses concerns about the slow pace of development due to bureaucratic processes. He hopes to see the site completed within five years but has doubts due to the limited resources and the need for essential buildings like a cassava factory and washrooms.

儘管做出了這些努力，巴拉特還是對官僚程序造成的發展緩慢表示擔憂。他希望看到工地在五年內完工，但由於資源有限以及需要木薯工廠和洗手間等基本建築，他對此心存疑慮。

The First Peoples are allocated a small budget annually, which Bharath says is insufficient for their projects and educational programs. He adds that their line ministry, Community Development, does not come directly to them, and they only state their plans, which are then implemented by the ministry.

原住民每年分配的預算很少，巴拉特說這不足以滿足他們的計畫和教育計畫。他補充說，他們的職能部門——社區發展——並不直接找他們，他們只是陳述自己的計劃，然後由該部門實施。

Bharath believes that the First Peoples should be able to manage their own finances, as stated in the United Nations Declaration, which allows indigenous people to handle their own affairs. He highlights the challenges faced when government bodies manage those funds, despite their input on what is needed.

巴拉特認為，正如《聯合國宣言》所述，原住民應該能夠管理自己的財務，該宣言允許原住民處理自己的事務。他強調了政府機構在管理這些資金時面臨的挑戰，儘管他們對所需資金提出了意見。

Since acquiring the land, Bharath has observed a stronger sense of community but would like to see more youth involvement and pride in their culture. He feels that when the heritage site is complete, it will serve as a rallying point for the indigenous community, especially the youth, who will know they have a place in society.

自從獲得這塊土地以來，巴拉特發現社區意識更加強烈，但希望看到更多的年輕人參與其中並對其文化感到自豪。他認為，當遺產地完工後，它將成為原住民社區，特別是年輕人的聚集點，他們會知道他們在社會中佔有一席之地。

Bharath emphasizes the importance of a First Peoples public holiday, which will allow them to showcase their culture and attract and educate more people. He believes that such recognition is essential for motivating young indigenous people to contribute to their community and attain positions of influence.

巴拉特強調原住民公共假期的重要性，這將使他們能夠展示自己的文化並吸引和教育更多的人。他認為，這種認可對於激勵年輕的原住民為其社區做出貢獻並獲得有影響力的職位至關重要。

Despite the challenges, Bharath remains hopeful that the First Peoples Heritage and Living Museum will be completed within the next five to seven years. He is committed to creating a space where the First Peoples can feel seen and share their customs with others, potentially boosting the tourism sector.

儘管面臨挑戰，巴拉特仍然對原住民遺產和生活博物館在未來五到七年內竣工充滿希望。他致力於創造一個讓原住民感受到被關注並與他人分享他們的習俗的空間，從而有可能促進旅遊業的發展。

While Bharath appreciates recognition, he stresses the need for meaningful measures to empower the First Peoples sustainably, such as reparations. He notes that the appointment of a national reparations committee by Cabinet is a step in the right direction, and local governments should demonstrate their efforts in addressing concerns to advocate for reparations from colonizer countries.

雖然巴拉特感謝認可，但他強調需要採取有意義的措施來永續地賦予原住民權力，例如賠償。他指出，內閣任命國家賠償委員會是朝著正確方向邁出的一步，地方政府應展示其在解決關切方面所做的努力，以倡導殖民者國家進行賠償。