The UCTP Expresses Support the Inter-American Environmental Charter

Washington D.C. (UCTP Taino News) – In a letter sent to the 49th Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, the United Confederation of Taíno People expressed its support to the Inter-American Environmental Charter, an initiative of the Global Embassy of Activists for Peace. The UCTP letter, presented by UCTP Liaison Officer Tai Pellicier, expressed the Confederation’s understanding of the “dire need for the respect, protection and sustainability of our Mother Earth, our natural resources, environment, human rights, particularly the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” as stated in the United Nations Declaration and American Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As of March 2019, more than 850 cities across the Americas have issued official their support of the Coalition for the Inter-American Environmental Charter. It is expected that the issue will be brought before the OAS during their June 2019 sessions. 

UCTPTN 05/31/2019

Taíno elder Mildred "Múkara" Torres-Speeg (83) crosses over into Koaibei (the Spirit World)

Clayton, Georgia (UCTP Taíno News) - Taíno elder Mildred "Múkara" Torres-Speeg (83) crossed over into Koaibei (the Spirit World) on Apr 30, 2019. Elder Múkara was courageously fighting cancer for some time, but her family members report that "she went peacefully just before her 84th birthday." A member of the Elders Advisory Council of the Guainía Taíno Tribe, she also served as a Liaison Officer of the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) in the state of Georgia for over 8 years.

Tai Pelli, a Human Rights and International Relations Officer for the UCTP shared "From this elder I received only kind and loving words and great support for my work and journey. Her spirit will forever shine in the aniki (heart/spirit/mind) of many of us and those who loved her."

Elder Múkara was an award-winning, internationally recognized artist whose works were exhibited at the Georgia Council for the Arts, Albany Museum of Art, State Capital Gallery, Atlanta, Andrew College, Jimmy Carter Library, Georgia Southwestern State College, Atlanta Spirit of America-Native American and Wildlife Art Festival, private collections and numerous others. She was also an active member of the NGAG and past president of the Albany Georgia Artists Guild. 

"Bibi (Grandmother) Mukara was an amazing artist as well as a trailblazer in the UN-NGO sector. I will personally miss her counsel as I know many others will. Our People have lost a National Treasure with her passing," stated R. Múkaro Agüeibana Borrero, President of the United Confederation of Taíno People.

Elder Mildred "Múkara" Torres-Speeg is survived by her husband Capt. Roger Speeg, USMC Ret. and her daughter, Vivianne Speeg Dupeire of Kennesaw, GA; two nephews, Ssgt. Joseph Gillooly USMC and Dwayne Dupeire II.  

UCTPTN 5/3/2019