Showing posts with label Jayuya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jayuya. Show all posts
7/16/2012
Boriken Youth to Begin Sacred Run
 |
| Yari Sierra promoting the 2012 Peace and Dignity Run in Ponce |
Ponce, Boriken/Puerto Rico (UCTP
Taino News) – One of the coordinators of the 2012 Boriken Peace and Dignity Run, Yari Sierra, hosted a final fundraising
activity at Ponce's Plaza del Caribe shopping mall to promote the upcoming Taíno
sacred run and related events in the Ponce area. Sierra is working hard to generate
the necessary funds to cover the expenses of this year’s Run scheduled to begin in two days.
Equipped with promotional material
brochures and summary pages, Sierra presented video clips of last year's
successful Peace and Dignity Run along with photographs to an interested public. Many individuals
stopped by her information table to learn more about this historic event and
the young Taíno community members that are putting this all together.
Participants and supporters of the Boriken
Peace and Dignity Run will camp out at Jayuya's "Cemi Cedetra y Casa Canales" located in Coabey on
Tuesday afternoon to begin preparations for Wednesday's Sunrise ceremony. This
ceremony will officially begin the 2012 Peace and Dignity Run on the island,
which links to an additional run down the East Coast of the U.S., and the main continental
run schedule to end in Guatemala this December. An additional run will take
place in Kiskeia (Dominican Republic) around the same time period.
.
Runners will make the journey from
CEDERTA in Jayuya to Utuado's Caguana Ceremonial Center on Wednesday
afternoon. Thursday's morning events will start at Jacanas from where runners
will trek to Tibes Ceremonial Park in Ponce. From Tibes, the runners will
head to Mayaguez with activities scheduled till the end of the week.
For more information on how you can
support the 2012 Boriken Peace and Dignity Run contact yarisina1@yahoo.com or visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/164824
.
Author: Roger Guayacan Hernandez
Source: UCTP Taino News
7/24/2010
Monument to local carver nears completion in Jayuya
Jayuya, Boriken (UCTP Taino News) – Master carver and archeologist Robinson Urayoan Rosado is preparing a commemorative monument for renowned artisan Elpidio Collazo González “Maboití” at the Centro de Arte y Cultura Elpidio in Jayuya, Boriken (Puerto Rico). Collazo, who passed away in 2007, was one of the island’s most illustrious carvers of local bird life from wood.
Carving into a 3 ton stone from the local area, Urayoan’s (Robinson Rosado) tribute is fitting as it features Taino bird pertroglyphs. The monument will be a center piece of the cultural center where Maboití and his family spent much of their time. The center is home to the Cemi Museum, the Casa Canales, and the CATTA-COOP artisan collective.
Explaining the metaphoric significance of these carved bird representations, Urayoan expressed his pleasure in participating in this project with the approval of the Jayuya municipal council.
Urayoan’s nearly completed inspirational tribute to elder Maboiti was a fitting compliment to the greeting and reception of the Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run. To support the historic run the municipal government of Jayuya and CATTA-COOP hosted the runners, Taino leaders, visiting indigenous dignitaries, and supporters at the cultural center over the weekend.
UCTPTN 07.24.2010
Carving into a 3 ton stone from the local area, Urayoan’s (Robinson Rosado) tribute is fitting as it features Taino bird pertroglyphs. The monument will be a center piece of the cultural center where Maboití and his family spent much of their time. The center is home to the Cemi Museum, the Casa Canales, and the CATTA-COOP artisan collective.
Explaining the metaphoric significance of these carved bird representations, Urayoan expressed his pleasure in participating in this project with the approval of the Jayuya municipal council.
Urayoan’s nearly completed inspirational tribute to elder Maboiti was a fitting compliment to the greeting and reception of the Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run. To support the historic run the municipal government of Jayuya and CATTA-COOP hosted the runners, Taino leaders, visiting indigenous dignitaries, and supporters at the cultural center over the weekend.
UCTPTN 07.24.2010
7/20/2010
Peace and Dignity Run Begins in Borikén
Runners for Peace and Dignity Boriken 2010. (Photo: Amy Ponce)Borikén/Puerto Rico (UCTP Taino News) – The Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run began on the 17th of July with the sounding of many guamo (conch shell horns) at sunrise in the Yunke Rainforest. A spiritual event, the run is being undertaken to raise awareness about the condition of indigenous scared sites on the island as well as connect native Taino islanders with their mainland relations. At the special opening ceremony, runners received the blessing of elders and other community members as they began an historic journey that would take them to sacred sites all around the island.
The runners – who are representing community members residing on and off the island - have the responsibility to carry a number of sacred staffs representing the “prayers of the people”.
Gabriel Saspe, a representative for “Peace and Dignity Journeys”, traveled from Arizona to Borikén to connect the continental run with the islands. Peace And Dignity Journeys has been hosting spiritual runs since 1992. Saspe will receive a sacred Guaraguao (hawk) staff from the Taino community which will be added to the Peace and Dignity Journey’s bundle of staffs from throughout the hemisphere. The Guaraguao staff was prepared by the Consejo General de Tainos Borincanos.
The participants of the Boriken 2010 Peace and Dignity Run have already completed runs in the east, south, and western regions of the island. The runners and supporters are now on their way north. After the northern area run, the group will begin their journey to the central region where ceremonies will take place in the towns of Jayuya and Utuado.
Indigenous delegates from Kiskeia (Dominican Republic) and Waitukubuli (Dominica) will join the Borikén Taino in solidarity to participate in the ceremonial closing events this weekend.
UCTPTN 07.20.2010
The runners – who are representing community members residing on and off the island - have the responsibility to carry a number of sacred staffs representing the “prayers of the people”.
Gabriel Saspe, a representative for “Peace and Dignity Journeys”, traveled from Arizona to Borikén to connect the continental run with the islands. Peace And Dignity Journeys has been hosting spiritual runs since 1992. Saspe will receive a sacred Guaraguao (hawk) staff from the Taino community which will be added to the Peace and Dignity Journey’s bundle of staffs from throughout the hemisphere. The Guaraguao staff was prepared by the Consejo General de Tainos Borincanos.
The participants of the Boriken 2010 Peace and Dignity Run have already completed runs in the east, south, and western regions of the island. The runners and supporters are now on their way north. After the northern area run, the group will begin their journey to the central region where ceremonies will take place in the towns of Jayuya and Utuado.
Indigenous delegates from Kiskeia (Dominican Republic) and Waitukubuli (Dominica) will join the Borikén Taino in solidarity to participate in the ceremonial closing events this weekend.
UCTPTN 07.20.2010
7/01/2010
Funding Appeal for Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run
Takahi Guaitiao (Greetings Relatives):
It is our hope that this message finds you well and in good spirit. We are writing to bring your attention to an historic event that will take place on the island of Borikén (Puerto Rico) this July 17-25, 2010. This event, “The Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run: Road to 2012”, is an indigenous led spiritual run that seeks to raise awareness about the condition of sacred sites on the island of Borikén (Puerto Rico) as well as bring together in solidarity local indigenous islanders with mainland indigenous representatives.
The Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run is intricately connected to the ancient indigenous prophecy of the Eagle and Condor. This prophecy mandates that Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere shall reunite in a spiritual way to bring healing to the Nations and a better future for our children and generations to come.
The Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run provides a unique opportunity for local communities to honor their indigenous spiritual practices and traditions as well as promote the collective responsibilities we all have to Mother Earth, Father Sky, our communities, and ourselves.
The Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run will begin on July 17 in the sacred Yunke Rainforest with a special commencement ceremony. From there groups of runners and supporters will travel to four different points on the island and begin to run toward the center mountain region. Coming from the four directions runners and supporters will finally meet in the town of Jayuya on July 22nd. Once in Jayuya, those gathered with take part in cultural exchanges, workshops, communal meals, and ceremonies until the 25th of July. Participants will be gathered together camp ground style with some elders and visiting indigenous dignitaries being provided other local accommodations from the 22-25th.
As this is a grass-roots initiative, the organizers are seeking funds to assist with the hosting of this historic indigenous spiritual gathering; the first of its kind to be held in Borikén in about 500 years.
We are respectfully seeking your financial assistance, which will provide some travel support for visiting indigenous representatives, logistical support for local runners, and meals at the main gathering and ceremonies.
Your assistance is needed. Donations are tax-deductible.
You can donate to the Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run via Pay Pal at www.uctp.org or by check or money-order made out to the UCTP with the words “Peace and Dignity” in the memo. Checks or money-orders can be sent to: UCTP, PO Box 4515, NY, NY 10163
For more information contact oirrc@uctp.org. Haho (thank you) in advance for your support.
The Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run is intricately connected to the ancient indigenous prophecy of the Eagle and Condor. This prophecy mandates that Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere shall reunite in a spiritual way to bring healing to the Nations and a better future for our children and generations to come.
The Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run provides a unique opportunity for local communities to honor their indigenous spiritual practices and traditions as well as promote the collective responsibilities we all have to Mother Earth, Father Sky, our communities, and ourselves.
The Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run will begin on July 17 in the sacred Yunke Rainforest with a special commencement ceremony. From there groups of runners and supporters will travel to four different points on the island and begin to run toward the center mountain region. Coming from the four directions runners and supporters will finally meet in the town of Jayuya on July 22nd. Once in Jayuya, those gathered with take part in cultural exchanges, workshops, communal meals, and ceremonies until the 25th of July. Participants will be gathered together camp ground style with some elders and visiting indigenous dignitaries being provided other local accommodations from the 22-25th.
As this is a grass-roots initiative, the organizers are seeking funds to assist with the hosting of this historic indigenous spiritual gathering; the first of its kind to be held in Borikén in about 500 years.
We are respectfully seeking your financial assistance, which will provide some travel support for visiting indigenous representatives, logistical support for local runners, and meals at the main gathering and ceremonies.
Your assistance is needed. Donations are tax-deductible.
You can donate to the Borikén 2010 Peace and Dignity Run via Pay Pal at www.uctp.org or by check or money-order made out to the UCTP with the words “Peace and Dignity” in the memo. Checks or money-orders can be sent to: UCTP, PO Box 4515, NY, NY 10163
For more information contact oirrc@uctp.org. Haho (thank you) in advance for your support.
Oma’bahari, nabori wa'ka
(With respect, we are at your service),
Vanessa Pastrana,
Borikén 2010 Coordinator
Roberto Borrero,
President, UCTP – OIRRC
9/05/2009
Taino Documentary Turns Lens to Boriken
UCTP Liaison Officer Roger Guayakan Hernandez,Naniki Reyes Ocasio of the Caney Quinto Mundo,
and videographer Ray Ibsen meet in Orocovis, Boriken.
(Photo: A. Zacarias)
Boriken/Puerto Rico (UCTP Taino News) - Emmy Award winning team Alex Zacarias (Producer/Director) and videographer Ray Ibsen traveled to Boriken (Puerto Rico) in August to continue work on their Taino documentary production.
The filmmakers interviewed various members of the island's local Taino community including representatives of the Consejo General de Taino Borincanos, the Caney Quinto Mundo, the United Confederation of Taino People and others. The team also interviewed the Hon.Victor L. Vassallo Anadón of Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives and Dr. Juan Martinez Cruzado, a Geneticist at the University of Puerto Rico.
Zacarias noted that the recent trip to Boriken resulted in the gathering of enough film footage and information to pursue the funding needed to continue production.
UCTPTN 09.05.2009
7/15/2009
Elder Artist honored in Jayuya
Jayuya, Boriken (UCTP Taino News) – On the occasion of his 50th Anniversary in the arts, Miguel Ángel Guzmán was honored by family, friends, artists, and supporters in a reception held at Galeria Maboiti in Jayuya. The July 2nd event featured selected art-works from Guzman and artist Olga Reyes.
Among the attendees were the honorable Mayor of Jayuya Georgie Gonzalez, representatives of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, CATTA-COOP, and the Boriken Liaison Office of the United Confederation of Taino People.
In honor of the special occasion, the UCTP Liaison Office presented Guzman with a specially designed Taino “cinturon” commemorative sculpture and a donation to support the arts education workshop he developed with Reyes at their Galeria Saguay in Paso Palmas, Utuado.
On behalf of the UCTP Liaison Office, Eva Tona Lazu expressed her appreciation of Guzman and Reyes' dedication and she looked forward to their continued success.
The special exhibition and reception was hosted by the Office of Mayor Gonzalez who declared Miguel Angel Guzman "an honorary son of Jayuya."
Photo: Miguel Guzman and Eva Tona Lazu in Utuado
UCTPTN 07.15.2009
Among the attendees were the honorable Mayor of Jayuya Georgie Gonzalez, representatives of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, CATTA-COOP, and the Boriken Liaison Office of the United Confederation of Taino People.
In honor of the special occasion, the UCTP Liaison Office presented Guzman with a specially designed Taino “cinturon” commemorative sculpture and a donation to support the arts education workshop he developed with Reyes at their Galeria Saguay in Paso Palmas, Utuado.
On behalf of the UCTP Liaison Office, Eva Tona Lazu expressed her appreciation of Guzman and Reyes' dedication and she looked forward to their continued success.
The special exhibition and reception was hosted by the Office of Mayor Gonzalez who declared Miguel Angel Guzman "an honorary son of Jayuya."
Photo: Miguel Guzman and Eva Tona Lazu in Utuado
UCTPTN 07.15.2009
6/16/2009
PR Representative Vassallo urges respect for Taino
Ponce, Boriken (UCTP Taino News) – Representing District 25, Ponce – Jayuya, the Hon. Victor L. Vassallo Anadón this week urged the citizens and government of Puerto Rico and federal agencies to respect the island’s “sacred national patrimony” and the rights of the Taino People. The official statement was presented to the Boriken Liaison Office of the United Confederation of Taino People in the form of a proclamation displaying the seal of the Puerto Rican House of Representatives. The proclamation issued by Vassallo recognizes Taino People as pre-Columbian inhabitants of Puerto Rico whose descendants remain on the island today.
Photo: In Ponce, UCTP Boriken Liaison Roger Guayakan Hernandez looks on as the Hon. Victor L. Vassallo Anadón signs the official proclamation urging respect for Taino People in Puerto Rico.
UCTPTN 06.16.2008
Photo: In Ponce, UCTP Boriken Liaison Roger Guayakan Hernandez looks on as the Hon. Victor L. Vassallo Anadón signs the official proclamation urging respect for Taino People in Puerto Rico.
UCTPTN 06.16.2008
5/13/2009
Confederation Welcomes New Southern States Liaison
Ellijay, Georgia (UCTP Taino News) – The United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) welcomed this month Monika “Mamona” Ponton-Arrington as its Liaison Officer responsible for Confederation outreach in Alabama and Tennessee. She will also serve the States of North Carolina and Georgia in coordination with elder Mildred Mukara Torres-Speeg.
A Boriken Taino whose family comes from Puerto Rico’s Ponce, Coamo, Dorado, Jayuya, and San Juan areas, Ponton-Arrington currently resides Ellijay, Georgia with her husband Fulton Arrington, a Tsalagi (Cherokee). She was given her Taino name Mamona by her grandmother.
Ponton-Arrington is a mother of four children ranging from ages 32-23 and works as a Counselor. An advocate for Native Rights, she works to protect sacred sites in Georgia and is presently a Trustee to the Talking Rock Cherokee Memorial Cemetery.
She has presented lectures before civic groups, colleges and historical societies and enjoys traditional arts.
Contact information for Monika Mamona Ponton-Arrington will soon be made available at the UCTP webportal at www.uctp.org.
UCTPTN 05.13.2009
A Boriken Taino whose family comes from Puerto Rico’s Ponce, Coamo, Dorado, Jayuya, and San Juan areas, Ponton-Arrington currently resides Ellijay, Georgia with her husband Fulton Arrington, a Tsalagi (Cherokee). She was given her Taino name Mamona by her grandmother.
Ponton-Arrington is a mother of four children ranging from ages 32-23 and works as a Counselor. An advocate for Native Rights, she works to protect sacred sites in Georgia and is presently a Trustee to the Talking Rock Cherokee Memorial Cemetery.
She has presented lectures before civic groups, colleges and historical societies and enjoys traditional arts.
Contact information for Monika Mamona Ponton-Arrington will soon be made available at the UCTP webportal at www.uctp.org.
UCTPTN 05.13.2009
12/02/2008
Tradition Counts More Than Beauty at a Pageant
JAYUYA, P.R. — The seven girls posed, preened and smiled with all the energy of Miss Universe contestants, but this was no ordinary pageant.
The competitors, from about 6-years-old to 16, had just paraded through a downpour to a small stage surrounded by mountains, where they displayed elaborate outfits handmade from wood, plants or, in one case, jingling shells. And the judges also sought a special kind of beauty: those who most resembled Puerto Rico’s native Indian tribe, the Taíno, received higher marks.
“It’s different,” said Félix González, president of the National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya, of which the pageant is a part. “It’s not white culture and blue eyes; it says that the part of our blood that comes from indigenous culture is just as important.”
Puerto Ricans have long considered themselves a mix of African, European and Native American influences. But since the 1960s, the Taíno — a tribe wiped from the Antilles by European conquest, disease and assimilation — has come to occupy a special place in the island’s cultural hierarchy.
The streets of Old San Juan are lined with museums and research centers dedicated to unearthing Taíno artifacts and rituals. Children are taught from a young age that “hurricane” is Taíno in origin, from the word “huracán,” while no Latin pop music concert is complete without a shout out to Boricuas — those from Borinquen, the Taíno name for Puerto Rico, which means “land of the brave noble lord.”
The ties may be more than cultural. In 2003, Juan Martinez Cruzado, a geneticist at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, found that at least 61 percent of Puerto Ricans possess remnants of Taíno DNA — and nearly all seem to believe they belong in that group.
“The Indian heritage is very important because it unites the Puerto Rican community,” said Miguel Rodríguez López, an archaeologist with the Center for Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, an independent graduate school in San Juan. “There is a feeling that it represents our primary roots.”
He added, “It is our symbolic identity.”
In Jayuya, a town of a few thousand people in the mountains north of Ponce, Taíno celebrations began decades ago. When local leaders discovered in the mid-60s that the town was named for a Taíno chief, they commissioned a sculpture to honor him. It w
as dedicated in November 1969 at the first indigenous festival, and every year since, the chief’s stern eyes have looked out over the event from a perch above the central plaza.
At times, he has been forced to share space with the more modern forces that decimated his people. One of the city’s major archaeological sites, discovered here two years ago, sits across from a Burger King. And before the pageant began on Saturday night, a performance of traditional Taíno dance competed with a pop song from Maná, Latin America’s biggest rock band.
Mostly though, the Taíno influence in Jayuya seems to have merged with its surroundings. The standard Taíno sun symbol, called a guanin, is now carved into the Spanish-style plaza. Many of the crafts being sold at the festival, like jewelry, purses and soap, also included Taíno symbols.
And even the pageant is a hybrid. Actual Taíno women wore only loincloths. But with the influence of local teenagers, the costumes have become exponentially more extravagant A few years ago, organizers had to limit their size to 8 feet high by 6 feet wide.
Even with those boundaries, which, of course, the teenagers tried to push, the costumes amounted to a mix of homecoming queen, Halloween, “Last of the Mohicans” and Las Vegas showgirl.
Mr. Rodríguez, the archaeologist and a former judge of the pageant, compared it to Brazil’s carnival. “It’s a sincretismo,” he said, using the Spanish word for “syncretism.” “They mix different cultures, different beliefs.”
Some scholars have scoffed at the concept, saying it is more a reflection of the joke that Puerto Ricans love festivals enough to have one for every cause or crustacean. But Mr. Rodríguez defended the idea. “You have to enjoy it because it’s for the people,” he said.
The contestants clearly lov
e it. Natalia Fernandez, 16, said she had spent a month and half building her outfit, which required her to carry on her back a wooden Taíno dancer weighing at least 25 pounds, with a sprout above his head the size of a small coffee table.
Her bangs had been cut, her dark hair was straight (in a nod to what is considered Taíno style) and her naturally copper-colored skin made her appear as Native American as Chief Jayuya. But she was also 100 percent teenager. Asked before the contest how she thought she would do, she fiddled with her cellphone and said, “I’m going to win.”
The event started an hour late, and the rain and competition seemed to surprise Natalia. She frowned under the downpour, looking chilled with a bare midriff and no shoes, as she glanced nervously at the girl with shells and starfish netted in a four-foot-high headdress.
But her fears were unfounded. After all the girls introduced themselves and explained their outfits, the judges called Natalia’s name last, like all great pageant winners. Her friends and family cheered loudly from beneath umbrellas as she smiled and twirled for the digital cameras.
“It’s about a beautiful culture,” she said before taking the stage. “It’s not about just beauty.”
Author: Damien Cave
Source: New York Times
The competitors, from about 6-years-old to 16, had just paraded through a downpour to a small stage surrounded by mountains, where they displayed elaborate outfits handmade from wood, plants or, in one case, jingling shells. And the judges also sought a special kind of beauty: those who most resembled Puerto Rico’s native Indian tribe, the Taíno, received higher marks.
“It’s different,” said Félix González, president of the National Indigenous Festival of Jayuya, of which the pageant is a part. “It’s not white culture and blue eyes; it says that the part of our blood that comes from indigenous culture is just as important.”
Puerto Ricans have long considered themselves a mix of African, European and Native American influences. But since the 1960s, the Taíno — a tribe wiped from the Antilles by European conquest, disease and assimilation — has come to occupy a special place in the island’s cultural hierarchy.
The streets of Old San Juan are lined with museums and research centers dedicated to unearthing Taíno artifacts and rituals. Children are taught from a young age that “hurricane” is Taíno in origin, from the word “huracán,” while no Latin pop music concert is complete without a shout out to Boricuas — those from Borinquen, the Taíno name for Puerto Rico, which means “land of the brave noble lord.”
The ties may be more than cultural. In 2003, Juan Martinez Cruzado, a geneticist at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, found that at least 61 percent of Puerto Ricans possess remnants of Taíno DNA — and nearly all seem to believe they belong in that group.
“The Indian heritage is very important because it unites the Puerto Rican community,” said Miguel Rodríguez López, an archaeologist with the Center for Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, an independent graduate school in San Juan. “There is a feeling that it represents our primary roots.”
He added, “It is our symbolic identity.”
In Jayuya, a town of a few thousand people in the mountains north of Ponce, Taíno celebrations began decades ago. When local leaders discovered in the mid-60s that the town was named for a Taíno chief, they commissioned a sculpture to honor him. It w
as dedicated in November 1969 at the first indigenous festival, and every year since, the chief’s stern eyes have looked out over the event from a perch above the central plaza.At times, he has been forced to share space with the more modern forces that decimated his people. One of the city’s major archaeological sites, discovered here two years ago, sits across from a Burger King. And before the pageant began on Saturday night, a performance of traditional Taíno dance competed with a pop song from Maná, Latin America’s biggest rock band.
Mostly though, the Taíno influence in Jayuya seems to have merged with its surroundings. The standard Taíno sun symbol, called a guanin, is now carved into the Spanish-style plaza. Many of the crafts being sold at the festival, like jewelry, purses and soap, also included Taíno symbols.
And even the pageant is a hybrid. Actual Taíno women wore only loincloths. But with the influence of local teenagers, the costumes have become exponentially more extravagant A few years ago, organizers had to limit their size to 8 feet high by 6 feet wide.
Even with those boundaries, which, of course, the teenagers tried to push, the costumes amounted to a mix of homecoming queen, Halloween, “Last of the Mohicans” and Las Vegas showgirl.
Mr. Rodríguez, the archaeologist and a former judge of the pageant, compared it to Brazil’s carnival. “It’s a sincretismo,” he said, using the Spanish word for “syncretism.” “They mix different cultures, different beliefs.”
Some scholars have scoffed at the concept, saying it is more a reflection of the joke that Puerto Ricans love festivals enough to have one for every cause or crustacean. But Mr. Rodríguez defended the idea. “You have to enjoy it because it’s for the people,” he said.
The contestants clearly lov
e it. Natalia Fernandez, 16, said she had spent a month and half building her outfit, which required her to carry on her back a wooden Taíno dancer weighing at least 25 pounds, with a sprout above his head the size of a small coffee table.Her bangs had been cut, her dark hair was straight (in a nod to what is considered Taíno style) and her naturally copper-colored skin made her appear as Native American as Chief Jayuya. But she was also 100 percent teenager. Asked before the contest how she thought she would do, she fiddled with her cellphone and said, “I’m going to win.”
The event started an hour late, and the rain and competition seemed to surprise Natalia. She frowned under the downpour, looking chilled with a bare midriff and no shoes, as she glanced nervously at the girl with shells and starfish netted in a four-foot-high headdress.
But her fears were unfounded. After all the girls introduced themselves and explained their outfits, the judges called Natalia’s name last, like all great pageant winners. Her friends and family cheered loudly from beneath umbrellas as she smiled and twirled for the digital cameras.
“It’s about a beautiful culture,” she said before taking the stage. “It’s not about just beauty.”
Author: Damien Cave
Source: New York Times
7/28/2007
Jayuya Celebrates the Day of the Puerto Rican Indian
Boriken (UCTP Taino News) - The “Day of the Puerto Rican Indian” will be celebrated by the autonomous municipality of Jayuya (Office of Tourism) in cooperation with local Taino represented by CATTA-COOP Inc. on the weekend of August 11 & 12 2007 in Barrio Coaybey, Jayuya, Puerto Rico. The event promises a not to be missed series of special presentations, art exhibitions, and performances.
11/27/2006
37th Annual Jayuya Indigenous Festival
2006 Taino Queen of Jayuya A series of photos from the 37th Annual Jayuya Indigenous Festival (Nov. 17-19) in Boriken (Puerto Rico) have now been posted at:
The photo of the 2006 Indigenous Festival in Jayuya, Boriken were taken by Roger Atihuibancex Hernandez, UCTP News Special Correspondent.
12/10/2004
UCTP Reps visit Boriken
Puerto Rico (UCTP Taino News) - UCTP Representatives Roger Atihuibancex Hernandez and Roberto Mucaro Borrero visited Boriken (Puerto Rico) recently as part of ongoing UCTP consultations with Taino community members on the island. They conducted video interviews with community leaders as well as participated in ceremony with family representatives from throughout the island attending the National Indigenous Festival in Jayuya.
Hernandez and Borrero also visited the hospital to meet with our respected Elder Manuel Galagarza. The elder who is a founding council member of the Consejo General de Tainos Borincanos has been ill. A recent request for prayers for his well being was issued via the UCTP communications netowrks. The two UCTP reps shared the wishes sent to him from indigenous peoples from around the world. Although in he was in critical condition, receiving these messages along with the prayers and visits from immediate family and local community members have lifted his spirit, Galagarza is now resting at home.
Local Taino leaders stress that Elder Manuel is still in a very weak condition and in need of community prayers and good thoughts. It has been he wish to spend time as much time as he can in the mountains at the Caney Quinto Mundo and preparations are being made to facilitate this as soon as possible.
For more information on how you can help this elder, contact Naniki Reyes Ocasio at
caney@prtc.net .
Hernandez and Borrero also visited the hospital to meet with our respected Elder Manuel Galagarza. The elder who is a founding council member of the Consejo General de Tainos Borincanos has been ill. A recent request for prayers for his well being was issued via the UCTP communications netowrks. The two UCTP reps shared the wishes sent to him from indigenous peoples from around the world. Although in he was in critical condition, receiving these messages along with the prayers and visits from immediate family and local community members have lifted his spirit, Galagarza is now resting at home.
Local Taino leaders stress that Elder Manuel is still in a very weak condition and in need of community prayers and good thoughts. It has been he wish to spend time as much time as he can in the mountains at the Caney Quinto Mundo and preparations are being made to facilitate this as soon as possible.
For more information on how you can help this elder, contact Naniki Reyes Ocasio at
caney@prtc.net .
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