Indigenous Peoples lead Peoples Climate March in Washington D.C.

Indigenous Peoples at the frontline of the Peoples Climate March are joined by actor Leonardo DiCaprio

WASHINGTON D.C. (UCTP Taíno News) — On Saturday, April 29, over 200,000 people took to the streets in Washington D.C. to demand action on Global Climate Change on the local, national, and international level. Indigenous Peoples were among those who led the march, which took place in sweltering heat that tied a record for April 29. The People’s Climate March for “climate, jobs, and justice” coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s 100th day in office. Along with the main march and related activities in Washington D.C., more than 300 “sister marches” were held across the U.S. and around the world. 

“This is more than a march, it is a global movement to affect positive change.” said Roger Guayakan Hernandez, a Borikén Taíno representing the United Confederation of Taíno People at the march. Hernandez was a “bus captain” for one of two buses from New York organized by the International Indian Treaty Council to assist local NY Tri-State Area Indigenous Peoples, as well as indigenous delegates to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues participate in the Peoples Climate March. 

A large and diverse representation of Indigenous Peoples from around the country and the world were present at the march. Indigenous Peoples began the day with a sunrise water ceremony that opened with a welcome from Gabrielle Tayac of the local indigenous Piscataway Nation. During the march, Indigenous Peoples were a part of the led contingent, representing frontline communities. Among the Indigenous Peoples represented at the march from throughout the Americas and the world, were Taíno, Lokono-Arawak, and Maya from Belize alongside Lakota, Dine (Navajo), Schaghticoke, Sapara, Mexica, Mohawk, Quechua, Maori, Nuba, Maasai, and many, many other indigenous Nations.

“I am marching for Mother Earth and our future” said Mainaku Borrero, Taíno/Tlingit, 10yrs old. “Climate change is real.”

 UCTPTN 05.09.2017

Thousands call for Nuclear Disarmament in New York

Taino and Mohawk representatives among the thousands at nuclear disarmament rally in New York City

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) – About 10,000 activists from around the world mobilized in New York City on Sunday, May 2nd 2010 to call for “real progress” toward global nuclear disarmament. During a rally held in Times Square and a march to the United Nations participants called for an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as a nuclear free future. The lead contingent of the march included survivors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, government officials, and representatives of the indigenous Mohawk, Navajo, Aymara, Cherokee, Tlingit, and Taino Nations.

The day of action culminated with a International Peace and Music Festival held at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza across from United Nations headquarters. Over 50 organizations displayed their literature and networked with the thousands of people who attended. There was a tent where people had the opportunity to talk with survivors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In addition, Sakue Shimora, a survivor of the bombing of Nagasaki, spoke from the main festival stage.

Among the diverse musicians and storytellers performing at the festival were members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society and Taino Iukaieke Guainia. In addition to presenting Taino songs honoring the Earth, the group linked the struggle in Vieques to the global disarmament agenda. The Taino also urged those in attendance to support the upcoming Spiritual Run for Peace and Dignity to be held in Puerto Rico, July 2010.

The rally, march, and festival coincided with the start of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) being held at UN Headquarters this month. The NPT is a landmark international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.

UCTPTN 05.03.2010

WIPO Launches Publication on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge

United Nations (UCTP Taino News) – The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the L’auravetl’an Information & Education Network of Indigenous Peoples (LIENIP) have jointly developed a bilingual – English and Russian - publication entitled “Traditional Knowledge & Indigenous Peoples.” The publication was launched on 27 May 2009 at the 8th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at UN Headquarters in New York.

In 2007, LIENIP organized a series of educational conferences, aimed at fostering a greater understanding of the social nature of traditional knowledge while encouraging mutually-beneficial relationships across sectors. This publication is comprised of several articles written for and presentations made at these events, and also includes a glossary of related concepts.

The project highlights Traditional Knowledge as an important element of the intellectual and cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples. The publication features contributions by S. Rama Rao (WIPO), Mattias Ahren (Sami, Sweden), Roberto Borrero (Taino, UCTP), Kenneth Deer (Mohawk, IITF), Ramiz Alakbarov (UNFPA), Jane Anderson (NYU), and Ann Gilliand (UCLA).

The publication is available in hard copy by request and is downloadable from the WIPO website at http://www.wipo.int/tk/en/folklore/culturalheritage/index.html .

A specialized agency of the United Nations, WIPO was created in 1967 "to encourage creative activity, to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world".

UCTPTN 05.28.2009

Museum Focuses on Water as a Precious Resource

New York (UCTP Taino News) - In conjunction with its dazzling exhibition Water: H2O = Life, the American Museum of Natural History’s annual public program series, “Living in America” will focus on the symbolic and community values of this precious resource. The programs will be held on January 12, 19, and 26 and will feature dynamic performances, discussions, films, and workshops for adults and families; highlighting local, national, and international stories.

This Saturday, January 12, the program is entitled “New York Water Stories”, and highlights the historical relationships that indigenous peoples had with rivers and estuaries to current water-related issues. The events begin at 12noon with an opening water blessing ceremony with Zen Buddhist priest, Sensei Bonnie Myotai Treace followed by a special presentation with the Mohawk Singers and Dancers at 1pm and 4pm. The Mohawk group will present traditional songs and social dances honoring water, such as the fish and thunder dances. Excerpts from the Iroquois Thanksgiving Address will be presented by Mohawk elder Tom Porter.

At 1:30pm, author Evan Pritchard will present “Native New Yorkers: These Ancient Waters” and discuss the importance of rivers and estuaries to the Algonquin speaking peoples of Manhattan Island. Pritchard is the author of Native New Yorkers and No Word for Time and a book signing will follow his presentation. Additional presentations and demonstrations will be given by Dale Estus, a New York City tunnel builder (2:30pm), and Long island bayman, John Buczak, fisherman Bill Hamilton, and clammer Flo Sharkey.

Completing this unique set of programming on the 12th is an AMNH Water Fair that will be held from 1pm – 5pm in the Museum’s Grand Gallery at 77th Street. The AMNH Water Fair will feature water-related demonstrations, information tables, and art displays with Long Island fisherman; Mohawk Craftsmen; Friends of Brook Park (a local environmental advocacy group); Origami U.S.A; The Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy; and Taino Spirit with Reina Miranda and Aguilar Marrero.

The American Museum of Natural History’s Living in America programs are free with suggested Museum admission.

UCTPTN 01.07.2008

Indigenous Peoples Day: Volunteer Opportunity, Prayer Vigil & Unity Gathering

Indigenous Peoples Day
Volunteer Opportunity, Prayer Vigil & Unity Gathering
Monday, October 9th 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 our 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/

Indigenous Peoples Day
Volunteer Opportunity, Prayer Vigil & Unity Gathering

10am - Volunteers needed to prepare purification lodge etc.

12noon - Lighting of Fire for the Stones

1pm - Reading of the Papal Bulls and Bulls Burning

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

Following the Purification Ceremony will be a time for sharing from the heart around the sacred fire…

All are welcome - Bring food to share, instruments, tobacco, and a good heart as we pause to acknowledge Mother Earth and the over 500 struggle of Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas and beyond. In solidarity, prayers and songs will be extended to Leonard Peliter who is enduring his 30th year of imprisonment, as well as those who are fasting for Leonard’s Freedom until October 12th.

Solidarity through prayer and song will also be extended to the Anti-Columbus Day rally in Denver as well as in other places around Turtle Island, the Mohawk protesters in New Caledonia, the Taino and other Caribbean Indigenous Nations, and for those preparing to lobby the United Nations for the passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

This gathering is sponsored by the Friends of Brook Park, the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society and the UCTP Office of International Relations and Regional Coordination.

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

For information on the UCTP visit http://www.uctp.org/ or contact uctp_ny@yahoo.com