Peace and Dignity Journeys 2012 Coming to a Close

 Peace and Dignity Runners on Route to Guatemala. Photo courtesy of Yari Sina Sierra.

Uaxactun, Guatemala (UCTP Taino News) - The Peace and Dignity Journeys, a continental spiritual run held every four years by Indigenous Peoples from throughout the Western Hemisphere will end today Uaxactun, in Guatemala. The run began May 1^st, with two groups of runners beginning simultaneously in Chickaloon, Alaska and Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.  The runners traveled through various indigenous communities carrying sacred staffs representing the prayers of the communities they have passed through since the first run and beyond. Each Peace and Dignity Journeys is dedicated to a specific prayer with 2012 dedicated to water. 

Among the Indigenous Peoples participating in the 2012 Peace and Dignity Journeys, Caribbean Indigenous Peoples have been represented and will be present during the closing ceremonies. Following two local Caribbean runs, one in Kiskeia (Dominican Republic) and one in Boriken (Puerto Rico), two youth Taino youth representatives, Yari Sina Sierra and Wakanari Arawak, have continued on with the main contingent entering Guatemala today. Also participating in the closing ceremonies are Kasike Roman Guaraguarix Perez and Sherri Vigor of Yucayeque Maisiti and Bibi Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrano, found of the Bohio de Atabei Caribbean Indigenous Women’s Circle, and Council member of the United Confederation of Taino People. Pastrano was worked together with the Peace and Dignity Journeys since 2010 as a regional coordinator and contact for the Caribbean.  

The Peace and Dignity Journeys will culminate in various ceremonies over the next few days, officially ending on Dec. 4. 

UCTPTN11.28.2012

Sacred Run in Boriken Continues

The Boriken Run for Peace and Dignity Stops along the Pastillos/Tibes exit on Route 10  (Photo credit: R. Guayacan Hernandez)

Boriken/Puerto Rico (UCTP Taino News) - A group of Taino youth and supporters are continuing their sacred run throughout the island of Boriken (Puerto Rico) today in Mayaguez. The Boriken run, dedicated to water, is a part of the 2012 Peace and Dignity Journeys, an indigenous continental run linking communities throughout the hemisphere. During their stop in Mayaguez, the runners will continue to meet with local community members promoting the vision of the Peace and Dignity Journeys as well as Taino culture.

The Boriken Run begin with a sunrise ceremony on Wednesday in Jayuya, and continued yesterday with visits to Taino sacred sites in the Ponce area such as Jacanas and Tibes.   The runners are carrying sacred matuko (staffs) that “represent the prayers of the people”.  Similar runs began in Alaska and South America last month.  An additional run also began today in Kiskeia (Dominican Republic). 

While in Ponce, the honorable Victor Vassallo of Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives officially greeted the runners to the area. Vassallo also expressed his commitment to making the Taino presence more visible on the island, and expressed his thanks to the United Confederation of Taino People for making him aware of the historic initiative. 

The next stop for the group will be Arecibo on Saturday, followed by a closing ceremony in “El Yunke” rainforest. Three of the runners from Boriken then join other runners in New York to begin the East Coast run on August 5. The final destination for the various runs is Guatemala for the closing ceremony.    Donations to assist the runners on their journey can be made at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/164824 .

UCTPTN 07.20.2012

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.

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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

Peace and Dignity Fundraiser

Saturday, July 07 2012, 6:30pm - 10:00pm

FROM AREYTO TO HIP HOP

Featuring Music, Poetry, & Dance of the

Indigenous People of the Caribbean

~ Saturday, July 7th, 2012 ~



featuring

- Chilo from El Grito de Poetas

- The Expressive Dance of Milteri Tucker

- The Taino Music of Roberto Mukaro Borrero with members of Kasibahagua

- Percussionist Anibal Collazo Jr.

- The Poetry of White Heron Woman

- Photography"Ancestral Footsteps" by Amy Majagua'naru Ponce

- Taino Indians Mini Museum

- DJ "MUSIC-BY-YOKO"

- Native Arts & Crafts, Prize Raffle Drawing, & More

Doors Open at 6:30pm

Tickets $12 in advance by July 2nd

$15 at the door

$10 with Student ID or UCTP affiliate ID


Venue: The Brecht Forum,
451 West Street New York, NY 10014

For more information contact:
718-549-5677 or 347-242-0516
http://brechtforum.org/directions

New York Peace and Dignity Run

Flushing, Queens (UCTP Taino News) - This Earth Day weekend, a spiritual run will take place in Flushing Meadow Park on Sunday, April 24th. An Indigenous Peoples initiative, the New York Peace and Dignity Run is being held in honor of Mother Earth and in preparation for the upcoming continental Peace and Dignity Journey beginning in May of 2012.

Organized by Raphael Landron and Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana, the day will begin with a sunrise ceremony at the Unisphere (large globe) at 6am -7:30am. Miguel Sague, a Siboney Taino from Cuba will lead the opening ceremony and blessing of the sacred staffs the runners will carrying. Native Elders and community leaders are invited to share words and blessings during the opening ceremony.

Following the sunrise ceremony at 8am, a community walk led by elders and community leaders will begin to the lake. At 9am, designated runners will then run the sacred community staffs for approximately 6 miles around the lake.

Mexica (Aztec) dance and native drumming will close the run beginning at 12noon. Organizers are requesting that persons interested in supporting the run, please bring food to share for a communal meal. This is an alcohol, drug, and weapon free event.

For more information contact Raphael Landron at 646-730-5940 or visit http://boriken2010peaceanddignityjourney.blogspot.com/ .

UCTPTN 04.19.2011

Taino Planning Ceremonial Run in Kiskeia

Indigenous Taino run for Peace and Dignity in Boriken last year.
(Photo: Amy Ponce)

Kiskeia (UCTP Taino News) - After a successful two-week ceremonial run last summer in Borikén, organizers are hoping the momentum will continue in Kiskeia ( Dominican Republic ) later this year. The run in Borikén was organized, in part, to raise awareness about sacred sites and indigenous Taino culture. A similar focus would be the basis of the proposed spiritual run on the neighboring island.

“The Borikén 2010 run was connected to the Peace and Dignity Journeys. These are continental runs organized in response to an ancient prophecy that calls for the relationships of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas to be strengthened for the sake of our future generations.” said Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana.

Pastrana was a visionary behind the Caribbean run. During these runs, sacred staffs representing Indigenous Peoples and their prayers from throughout the Americas are carried ceremoniously by the participating runners.

“These runs are fulfilling the prophecy of the eagle and the condor – the coming together of our Peoples” she continued. “Now the guaraguao, the Caribbean hawk is a part of this sacred circle.”

The Borikén 2010 Run marked the first time the sacred ceremonial staffs carried during the continental runs were presented in the Caribbean.

Pastrana has already met with several Kiskeia Taino community members in the United States such as Roman Guaraguarix Perez to provide some orientation on the process. She shared logistical information as well as stressed the spiritual nature of the run. Perez has agreed to lead the effort for the Kiskeia run and is now in contact with potential local organizers.

“As Borikua Taino we are here to support our guaitiao (relatives) from Kiskeia.” said Pastrana. “The organization of this ceremonial run however should be led by the local community.”

UCTPTN 01.17.2011

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

Available now: THE VOICE OF THE TAINO PEOPLE NEWS JOURNAL, April – June 2010

The Voice of the Taíno People is the Official News Journal of the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) and is distributed by the UCTP Office of International Relations and Regional Coordination. Volume 13, Issue 2, April – June 2010, All Rights Reserved ; ISSN 1553-9350. In this issue: Census 2010 Celebrates Taino Heritage in Borikén ; Taino Prepare for Sacred Run ; Caribbean Indigenous Peoples at UN Forum ; Community News Flash ; Thousands call for Nuclear Disarmament ; Announcements and Events.

Review and download this edition at the NEWS section of the UCTP Web Portal at www.uctp.org or you can visit here: http://www.uctp.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=46&&Itemid=38 (Scroll down page).

The Voice of the Taino People News Journal is designed to be and functions as a different entity than our online news services located at www.uctp.org and beyond. There are stories and features included in the print edition that are not always included online. Likewise, there are features online that are not always included in the print editions. The United Confederation of Taino People strives to provide many media options that will serve the different needs of our diverse community. We hope that our readers find utility in several of our products, and we appreciate your continued support.

Taino Prepare for Sacred Run

The Consejo General de Tainos Borincanos host a meet for community leaders and youth in Trujillo Alto, Boriken to discuss plans for the Boriken 2010 Peace and Dignity Run.
(Photo: Courtesy of Bohio Attabei)

Boriken (UCTP Taino News) - For many ancient Indigenous cultures runners were an important way to send messages between communities. Taino People soon plan to highlight this tradition by organizing a “four directions” run this July on the island of Boriken (Puerto Rico). The Boriken 2010 Peace and Dignity Run is linked to the “Peace and Dignity Journeys”, spiritual runs that embody the indigenous prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor. This prophecy mandates the reunification of Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas.

Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana, one of the organizers of the Boriken Run sees the inclusion of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples as an essential but often overlooked element of the Eagle and Condor prophecy.

“Our people need to be a part of this healing process” states Pastrana. “The Caribbean is a part of the sacred hoop of Indigenous Nations.”

Since 1992, Peace and Dignity Journeys are undertaken every four years with runners starting out from Alaska and South America. Carrying sacred staffs, the participants run over six months stopping to visit various Native communities along the way. The runners finally meet in ceremony somewhere in the “center” of the continent. In 2008 the runners met in Panama City.

“The next Peace and Dignity Journey will take place in 2012 and the run in Boriken will connect Taino and other relatives to this important moment in our collective history” continued Pastrana. “This is not about politics but it is rather a spiritual way to raise awareness about our ancestral traditions and to remind ourselves of who we are as Indigenous People.”

Updates and information on the Boriken 2010 run can now be found at the website, http://boriken2010peaceanddignityjourney.blogspot.com/. Volunteers and donations are being requested.

UCTPTN 04.15.2010

Native Runners Continue On Sacred Journey

Photo: Two Peace and Dignity East Coast runners - Maximus Matos and Rafael Landron - joined by supporters Vanessa Inarunikia and Kuyayaku Pastrano displaying some of the sacred staffs that are being run in an incredible journey from New York to Panama.

UCTP Taino News – Runners participating in the East Coast Tributary route of the Peace and Dignity Journeys have made their way from New York through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland heading toward Virginia. With their final destination scheduled for Panama, the group of runners and supporters began their journey in New York City on June 13 with sacred staffs representing the prayers of various Indigenous Nations. This year’s East Coast route is a historic first for the Peace and Dignity Journeys inter-continental run, which has taken place every four years since 1992.

At a ceremony for the East Coast runners held at Riverbank Park in Manhattan, approximately 75 representatives from many Indigenous nations gathered in one circle to welcome the sacred staffs the runners will carry throughout their journey. At the ceremony led by Grupo Cetiliztli Nauhcampa Quetzalcoatl, six representatives from East Coast Native Nations offered prayers. Messages of support were also received from Tonya Frichner (Onondaga) a UN representative, and Chief Dwayne Perry (Sachem Maqua/Chief Bear) of the Ramapo Mountain Lenape Nation.

The group of runners included Elizabeth Rexford (Inuit/Alaska), Elvira Colorado (Chichimec/Otomi), Hortensia Colorado (Chichimec/Otomi), Teyekahliyos “Dagots” Edwards (Onieda), Jennie Luna (Xicana/Caxcan/Mexica) as well as two Taino community members Maximus Matos (Taino) and Rafael Landron (Taino). At sunrise on Saturday, morning June 14, representatives of the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) presented an additional unity staff to the group. The presentation was made by community leader Roberto Mukaro Borrero who explained that the Taino staff was a symbol of unity between the Arawak, Carib, and Taino Nations as well as a representation of the Guaraguao or Caribbean Red Tail Hawk within the Eagle and Condor prophecy.

Following the sunrise departure ceremony the group crossed the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey and made their way to Pennsylvania where they connected to Art Woolsey, PA coordinator for the Longest Walk II. Woolsey was instrumental in the logistical organizing for the runners through the state. While in Pennsylvania the group visited the grounds of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and offered prayers at the institution’s cemetery. Over 100 indigenous children who were taken from their parents to attend the infamous boarding school died there and were interred on the grounds.

According to the East Coast Run coordinator Jeannie Luna the runners met up with the Longest Walk group in Greensburgh, PA. The two groups were able to share experiences and ceremony before the Peace and Dignity runners headed to Pittsburg where they were greeted by Taino community member Miguel Sobaoko Koromo Sague. A member of Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center – the only Native Center in all of PA - Sague along with other PA Native community members contributed supplies and extended much appreciated hospitality to the group. Sague who is also the founder of the Caney Spiritual Circle offered an additional Taino staff to join the UCTP’s prayer for Taíno unity.

Following their visit to a local Pow Wow in Farmington, PA that was held to honor the birth of a White Buffalo at a local zoo, the runners made their way to Friendsville, MD and Petersburgh, West Virginia.

The runners will also visit Washington DC plan and while in the area they plan to link up with the Haudenosaunee Spirit of the Youth Unity Run. These two groups will continue running together until July 5th when they will unite with the Trail of Tears runners in Tahlequah, Oklahoma for the closing ceremonies of the East Coast portion the route. From Oklahoma the sacred staffs will be run to Taos, New Mexico where they will join the main group making their way south.

This southern route from New Mexico will unite all runners of the East Coast Tributary and other routes and connect them to the main route, carrying all the prayers, work and energy towards Panama.

UCTPTN 06.29.2008

Runners Manifest Eagle and Condor Prophecy

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) – Although most "mainstream Americans" may have never heard of the Peace and Dignity Journeys this monumental, grass roots community effort has occurred every four years since 1992 to manifest the indigenous prophecy of the Eagle and Condor. This prophecy states that we are living in a time when Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere shall reunite spiritually in order to help heal their Nations and work towards a better future for the present and coming generations. Starting with runners on opposite ends of the continent from Eklutna, Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, Chile, the participants will make an incredible journey over seven months traveling through hundreds of indigenous communities.

While visiting various communities these indigenous ambassadors will be carrying sacred staffs representing the spiritual solidarity of various Nations and take part in local ceremonies and dialogs as well as receive community prayers.

Currently, runners that began in Alaska, May 1st are now in Canada and have formed two groups. One group of runners will travel west down to California and the other will make their way through the central part of the U.S. through the Great Plains.

Simultaneously, there is a route retracing the Cherokee Trail of Tears and for the first time in the Run's history an East Coast Tributary route has been organized to begin in New York City on Saturday, June 14th 2008. Organizers are in the process of outreaching to Native Nations on the East Coast in the spirit of bringing unity for this sacred prayer. Among the runners confirmed to leave from the East Coast route will be a Taino community member, Maximus Matos.

Maximus, whose family originates from the island of Boriken (Puerto Rico) has never run a marathon so one may ask just why would he get involved?

"First and foremost I run for my People, the Taino Nation" stated Maximus. "I run to unite us as one and yet there is so much more as this historic run will also unite Indigenous Nations, Reservations, Sacred Sites and Communities stretching from the North to South America."

In recognition of his effort and vision the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) has pledged to provide Maximus with a sacred unity staff gifted to the Taino from the Lokono Arawak Nation as well as some supplies for his journey.

"This is an historic moment for the Taino People" stated Roberto Borrero, a UCTP representative. "Maximus is taking on a very important role as a Taino ambassador and as community we understand that he is not just representing himself but he is representing our present and future generations on and off the islands"

Maximus, like other runners, will also need financial contributions to help support him on this incredible journey. Runners will need food, personal supplies, and clothing for various weather conditions in addition to camping equipment and other items. Supporters accompanying the runners in vans also need assistance with gas money etc. as the Peace and Dignity Journeys receive no corporate money and all fundraising is done through grants and grass roots community fundraising. Some money has been raised by the New York committee but according to run organizer Jeannie Luna it is not enough to sustain their journey.

While there have been some pledges to receive the runners and provide overnight housing and food Luna also states that a "majority of the route still needs places that will host runners, give [them] a place to sleep, shower, wash clothes, and have a meal."

Open to all "colors and cultures", the Peace and Dignity Journey is scheduled to conclude when the runners reach the center of the hemisphere in Panama on November 13th, 2008. In Panama City runners and supporters will be greeted by the Kuna Nation.

For more information on the Peace and Dignity Journeys visit their website at http://www.peaceanddignityjourneys.com. To donate directly or get involved in the East Coast Run contact Jeannie Luna at lalunaxicana@yahoo.com or 646.245.1216. For donations to sponsor the Taino runner please contact the UCTP at uctp_ny@yahoo.com or 1(212)604-4186.

The theme of this years Peace and Dignity Journey is "Honoring Our Sacred Sites".

Photo 1: Condor Runners from the South (Credit: panddblogadmin)

Photo 2: Eagle Runners from the North (Credit: panddblogadmin)

Taino Solstice Gathering in the Bronx

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - In recognition of World Peace and Prayer Day and the summer solstice, the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society and Iukaieke Guainia will host a ceremonial gathering and purification ceremony at Brook Park in the Bronx, New York on Saturday, June 21, 2008. A special focus of this event will be to offer prayers of unity for the participants of the Peace and Dignity Journeys Spiritual Run and the Longest Walk II. A naming ceremony for several community members will also take place. The gathering will begin at 12noon sharp and the event is free. The organizers have requested that attendees please bring food to share and consider monetary donations to the Friends of Brook Park. The park is located at 141st Street and Brook Ave in the South Bronx. For more information on the gathering contact uctp_ny@yahoo.com or call 1(212)604-4186.

UCTPTN 06.13.2008