The Ceiba Project

The Taino (First People)

Rooted in Our Ancestors. Growing Toward Our Future.

Like the mighty Ceiba tree, whose roots stretch deep into the earth while its branches reach toward the sky, our identities are strengthened by knowing where we come from. Across the Caribbean, the Ceiba has long been revered by Indigenous peoples as a sacred tree—a living bridge between the ancestors, the living community, and future generations. Its expansive roots remind us that even after centuries of colonization, displacement, and cultural erasure, our roots remain alive beneath the surface, waiting to be rediscovered.

The Ceiba Project is a cultural restoration program created for members of the Caribbean diaspora who are ready to reconnect with the Indigenous foundations of their identity, with a particular emphasis on Taíno heritage while honoring the diverse Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. Rather than viewing Indigenous identity as something lost, we recognize it as a living inheritance that continues to exist in our language, food, music, stories, ceremonies, values, and relationships.

Through interactive workshops, storytelling, cultural immersion, and community learning, participants will explore Indigenous Caribbean history, Taíno language, traditional songs and dance, ancestral foodways, origin stories, spiritual worldviews, and the enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout the Caribbean. Together, we examine the layered identities shaped by Indigenous, African, and European histories while creating space to celebrate the resilience and continuity of Indigenous knowledge.

Just as the Ceiba draws strength from its deep and interconnected roots, this program encourages participants to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging by reconnecting with their ancestors, their communities, and themselves. Every story remembered, every word reclaimed, every song sung, and every tradition practiced becomes another root extending into the future.

At WITS, we believe cultural restoration is an act of healing. When we remember who we are, we stand taller, just like the Ceiba—grounded in our history, nourished by our ancestors, and resilient enough to shelter future generations. The Ceiba Project is an invitation to return to your roots, reclaim your story, and help ensure that the living legacy of Caribbean Indigenous peoples continues to grow for generations to come.