Taíno Honor the Indigenous Siwanoy at Clason Point

Taíno community members manifesting Bronx Indigenous Futurisms at Snakapins.
Photo by Kaxhyêk 

Bronx, NY (UCTP Taíno News) – On October 9, a diverse group gathered at Clason Point Park peninsula in the Bronx, NY to pay homage to the Siwanoy with a land acknowledgment ceremony, storytelling, and music. The gathering was led by Taíno community member Caridad de la Luz, also known as La Bruja, in collaboration with Pepatián: Bronx Arts Collaborative. The program manifested under the title “Bronx Indigenous Futurisms” and sought to raise the visibility of Clason Point’s Indigenous history as well as acknowledge “Indigenous Peoples Day.” Clason Point, known to the Siwanoy as "Snakapins," was the site of a large American Indian settlement comprising more than seventy dwellings.

Caridad de la Luz

 Leading the ceremonial portion of the gathering was Behike Miguel Sague, a   founder of the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle. Sagua's Taíno lineage   originates in Cuba. Elder Sague is also the United Confederation of Taíno   People’s Ambassador to Cuba. Lonnie Harrington, of Seminole heritage,   was  also a featured presenter who also shared songs that encouraged those   gathered to join the circle and dance.

 Also addressing the gathering by invitation was the President of the United   Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP), R. Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero who   attend with his spouse, Joselyn Borrero (Tlingit). Borrero, who is also a   Kasike (chief) of the Guainía Taíno Tribe, presented a special gift to Caridad   de la Luz in recognition of her efforts and on behalf of the UCTP.

The program also featured an installation dedicated to Indigenous Women and a plaque dedicated to the Siwanoy was added to one of the park benches overlooking the water, which is the confluence of the Bronx and East Rivers.

 UCTPTN 10112021

Taino will gather to celebrate the equinox in the Bronx

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - In recognition of the Autumnal Equinox, the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society, Bohio de Attabey Women's Circle, and Iukaieke Guainia will host a ceremonial family gathering at Brook Park in the Bronx, New York on Sunday, September 21, 2008. In collaboration with the Friends of Brook Park, the gathering will begin at 12noon with the preparation of the sacred fire. The event is free and the organizers have requested that attendees please bring their own musical instruments - maracas, guiro etc. - and food to share. Brook Park is located at 141st Street and Brook Ave in the South Bronx. For more information on the gathering contact mukaro@uctp.org or call 1(212)604-4186.

UCTPTN 09.16.2008

Taino Naming Ceremony and Spring Equinox Ceremony

Bronx, New York (UCTP Taino News) - Over a hundred Taino and other community members gathered for the “Taino Naming Ceremony and Spring Equinox Celebration” held on Saturday, March 25th 2007. The event was organized by the Kukarey Spiritual Circle and Yukayeke Tanama Taino and took place at Brook Park in the Bronx.



Photo: Taino singers at 2007 Spring Equinox Ceremony held at Brook Park. From left to right: Ferdinand Uaian Bruno, Roberto Mucaro Borrero, Jorge Morales, and Roman Guaraguaorix Perez.

Another Volunteer Opportunity, Prayer Vigil & New Moon Unity Gathering

Volunteer Opportunity, Prayer Vigil & New Moon Unity Gathering
Saturday, October 21st 2006
Brook Park in the South, South Bronx, NY
141st Street and Brook Avenue

Dig your hands in the Earth, chop wood, gather stones and celebrate Autumn! We invite you to join us in giving active and loving care to Brook Park as well an opportunity to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. We welcome both “skilled and unskilled alike to join us for a day of service to Mother Earth and All Our Relations through focused and joyful work. Please let us know if you are intending to participate and sign up through our website via the Volunteer section at http://friendsofbrookpark.org/

10am - Volunteers needed for garden and to plant bulbs! And to prepare
purification lodge etc.

12noon - Lighting of Fire for the Stones

3pm - Purification Ceremony (aka Inipi, Temascal, Kansi/Guanara), facilitated by Roberto Mukaro Borrero(Boriken Taino)

All are welcome - Bring food to share, instruments, tobacco, and a good heart. Please consider offering a contribution if you are attending the activity so that we can obtain more resources to share. This gathering is sponsored by the Friends of Brook Park, the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society and the UCTP Regional Coordinating Office.

Directions:
Brook Park141st St. and Brook Ave.
South Bronx, New York

By train:#6 Local Subway - Ride to Brook Avenueget off
at Brook Ave. Walk up 3 blocks to 141st - the park is
on the corner

or #2, #5 Subways to 149th Street and Third Ave. walk
down Willis Ave. to 141st St. take a left and walk to
Brook Avenue there we are on the corner.

By car:
From the North West Side
Take the Major Deegan Expressway to 138th Street exit,
take a left and go on 138th street for about 6-10
blocks, left on Willis Avenue, right on 142nd Street,
right on 141st Street and park is there on the corner.


From the East side
Take the Bruckner Expressway exit at 138th Street,
take a right on 138th Street, go a few blocks to St.
Anns Avenue, take a right on St. Anns, and go to 141st
Street. Take a left on 141st street, go one block,
pass Brook Ave. and the park is there on the corner.

For information on the ceremony contact uctp_ny@yahoo.com

For Information on Brook Park visit http://friendsofbrookpark.org/ or call Harry J. Bubbins at 646.206.5288