Taíno Elder Mildred Karaira Gandia Crosses Over Into Koaibei (Spirit World)

Miami, Florida (UCTP Taíno News) – Taíno elder, Mildred “Karaira” Gandia Reyes de Ziegelasch crossed over into Koaibei (the spirit world) on Sunday, February 6, 2022, due to complications arising from COVID 19. A long-time representative of the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP), and a member of the Guainía Taíno Tribe of Borikén, Bibi (Grandmother) Karaira was beloved across Taíno communities through the islands and the Diaspora. Karaira was an alumnus of Tribal Link Foundation’s Project Access Global Capacity Building Workshop for Indigenous Peoples, a human rights activist, an avid gardener, a spiritual advisor, and a devoted mother and grandmother. 

“We are greatly saddened to learn about Bibi Karaira’s passing and the Confederation will pause in its work to honor and her commitment not only to the UCTP but to all Taíno Peoples” stated Kasike R. Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero, President of the UCTP and a leader of the Guainía Taíno Tribe. Borrero continued by stating “Bibi Karaira had strong opinions, a big generous heart, and a great pride regarding our ancestors and our culture. She will be missed in this physical world and our sincere condolences extend to her immediate and extended family around the world.” 

During her time as a liaison for the Confederation, she participated in many community and international gatherings. Karaira helped to organize the Taíno delegation to the 32nd Anniversary International Indian Treaty Council Conference hosted by the Independent Traditional Seminole Nation of Florida in 2006, was a UCTP delegate to the IITC's Guatemala Treaty Conference in 2008, and was the main delegate and a signatory on a treaty between the Confederation and the St. David's Indian Community of Bermuda in 2009. In 2016, Bibi Karaira represented the UCTP at the panel on Climate Change organized by the City of Hialeah.  

The Honorable Governor of Bermuda, Sir Richard Gozney, UCTP
Liaison Mildred Karaira Gandia, and Stephen Tucker, Chairman of the
St. David’s Islanders and Native Community in Bermuda, 2009. (UCTP Photo)

Bibi Karaira made her home in Miami, Florida with her family and was on extended medical leave from her liaison responsibilities from the UCTP. She continued to mentor and offer spiritual counseling to many. 

Behike Miguel Sobaoko Koromo Sague of the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle stated “The hupia (Spirits) have welcomed a new soul into their community of Koaibei, and even as we mourn the loss of this beautiful grandmother, we know that she will continue to guide and advise us from the spirit realm.”

Bibi Karaira blessing Behike Miguel Sague in 2017. 

Karaira was a featured participant in many of the spiritual ceremonial gatherings organized by Behike Sague in the Miami area.

Bibi Karaira is survived by her two sons, Jose Richard Cruz Gandia Jr. and Justin “Seiba” Ziegelasch Gandia and her husband Roland Ziegelasch.

UCTPTN 02/07/2022 

Bermuda Native Community and Taino Declare Unity

The Honorable Governor of Bermuda, Sir Richard Gozney, UCTP Liaison Mildred Karaira Gandia, and Stephen Tucker, Chairman of the St. David’s Islanders and Native Community in Bermuda. (UCTP Photo)

Saint Davids, Bermuda (UCTP Taino News) - An historic "Declaration of Unity" was ratified this month between the St. Davids Islanders and Native Community of Bermuda and the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP). The treaty was the result of a diplomatic process that began in June during a local indigenous celebration of Bermuda's 400th Anniversary.

Mildred Karaira Gandia (Boriken Taino) was the Confederation's representative who undertook the diplomatic mission to Bermuda. Karaira facilitated the treaty process in coordination with Tucker "Brinky" St. Clair of the Saint David's Islander and Native Community.

"The Taino could not have had a better representative to our community" stated Tucker, a community Council member.

The Declaration of Unity promotes solidarity between the Saint David's Islanders and Native Community and the Taino at the local, national, and international levels.

“This Declaration is significant politically and spiritually” stated Karaira.

“With our unification we strengthen our voices in the region as we continue to promote the teachings of our ancestors by reuniting our indigenous family.” She continued stating “This is for our future generations.”

The Saint David’s Islanders and Native Community represents the descendants of Indigenous Peoples who were taken to Bermuda as part of the slave trade from the United States and Caribbean during the 1700s. The UCTP represents Taino People throughout the region and the Diaspora.

UCTPTN 12.15.2008