Taino Continue to use the U.S. Census to say “We are Still Here.”

 

UCTP President, R. Mukaro Agueibaná Borrero (center) with 
Robert L. Santos (at left), Director, U.S. Census Bureau, and Leila Dickerson (at right), 
NY Regional Director, U.S. Census Bureau (UCTP Photo)

New York, NY (UCTP Taíno News) – The U.S. Census Bureau recently released the 2020 data sets on American racial and ethnic origins in a report entitled “Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics File A.” The reporting is the culmination of an analysis of 350 million detailed responses to the race and ethnicity questions that were collected in the 2020 Census. A significant population increase is noted, 85% from 2010, among American Indians including the Indigenous Taíno. The overall number of Americans claiming Indigenous heritage increased from 5.2 million in 2010 to 9.6 million in 2020. 

The increase is significant, especially for the Taíno whose total recorded population number in 2022 is 112,682. This means that according to the U.S. Census, the Taino are the 10th largest American Indian population of all the recorded American Indian groups. In Borikén (Puerto Rico) 50,114 identified themselves in the Census as Taíno, while over 26,000 identified themselves as Taíno in New York. Other large Taíno population areas on the U.S. mainland include Florida and Connecticut. 

Click on Image to make larger

The United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) has maintained an official partnership with the U.S. Census for the last 3 Census counts. One of the UCTP’s principal request to the U.S. Census Bureau was that they highlight “Taíno” as a separate Tribal Category in lieu of more ambiguous terms such as "Spanish Indians.” The UCTP also requested that search options for “Taíno” be as accessible as it is for other Indigenous Nations. 

“The new report from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that they have finally taken our continuous requests seriously” stated R. Mukaro Agueibaná Borrero, the current President of the UCTP and a kasike (chief) of the Guainía Taíno Tribe. Borrero continued stating “We presented what we view as the past discriminatory interpretations of the Census data to the highest level of the Bureau. We also indicated our serious concerns with continued reports of field officers – Census data collectors – in Borikén (Puerto Rico) who allegedly urged community members to identify themselves as White or told individuals that they could not identify as American Indian on the Census.” 

On behalf of the UCTP, President Borrero met with Robert L. Santos, Director, U.S. Census Bureau, and Leila Dickerson, NY Regional Director, U.S. Census Bureau, and other Bureau officials earlier this year.

Roger Guaiakan Hernandez, a board member of the UCTP, noted that "In 2010, the UCTP’s Liaison Office in Borikén launched a campaign to increase Taíno participation in the Census. The campaign resulted in the local Census Officials on the island recognizing our work during a special event held at the Tibes Ceremonial Center in Ponce. This had a positive effect on our Census-related efforts in both Puerto Rico and the Diaspora.” 

Hernandez continued stating “Our efforts and the significant increase in the number of people who identified as Taíno in 2010, is connected to the recent increase that we see in the report results of the 2022 Census. That means that our strategies as the UCTP are working.” 

UCTPTN 11/04/2023

Taino Highlighted at Springfield, MA Puerto Rican Parade

UCTP Liaison Officer, Chalinaru Dones with Grand Marshall Waleska Lugo DeJesus 

during the 33rd Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in Springfield, Massachusetts

Springfield, MA (UCTP Taíno News) – On Sunday, September 17, 2023, hundreds marched through downtown Springfield to celebrate the 33rd annual Puerto Rican Parade. Puerto Rican flags were waved by the thousands of spectators who lined the streets while Latin Music filled the air. The 2023 Parade theme was “Nunca Olvides Tus Raices, Never forget your roots.” 

The parade's Grand Marshall, Waleska Lugo DeJesus was featured atop a large float decorated in the style of a tropical forest from Borikén (Puerto Rico) that was presented to pay respect to the Indigenous Taíno Peoples of the Caribbean. A Liaison Officer for the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP), Chalinaru Dones, was invited by the Grand Marshall to not only accompany her on the special float, but to also open the Parade with a Taíno prayer. Dones is a citizen of the Guainía Taíno Tribe. 

Lugo DeJesus stated “I wanted to bring authentic representation to help educate that we still exist and Chalinaru reminded me that when we don’t acknowledge our history we can be erased.” 

Waleska Lugo DeJesus is the CEO of Inclusive Strategies and the founding director of the Healing Racisim Institute. She is widely known for her anti-racism advocacy and for identifying educational strategies to create equity.

UCTPTN 09182023

Taino Confederation Joins Over 700 orgs along with high profile Activists and Actors in Sending Pres. Biden Letter Ahead of NYC March

Edward Norton, Jane Fonda, Mark Ruffalo, Rosario Dawson, Don Cheadle, Alyssa Milano, Marisa Tomei, Alicia Silverstone; join climate leaders in sending letter 

NEW YORK, NY (UCTP Taíno News) – Excitement is building ahead of this Sunday’s "March to End Fossil Fuels" taking place in New York City. Today, actors, activists, and climate leaders today joined more than 700 organizations in sending a letter to President Biden urging him to take action to end fossil fuels. The United Confederation of Taíno People is among the letter’s signatories and a registered endorser of the March. 

The letter is signed by actors and outspoken climate activists Jeremy Strong, Edward Norton, Jane Fonda, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Rosario Dawson, Alyssa Milano, Marisa Tomei, Alicia Silverstone, Alysia Reiner, Dallas Goldtooth, V (formerly known as Eve Ensler), and Susan Sarandon in addition to UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Vanessa Nakate, Youth Advisor to UN Secretary-General Ayisha Siddiqa, and author ​​Naomi Klein, along with many other Climate leaders including R. Múkaro Agueibaná Borrero, UCTP President and Kasike of the Guainía Taíno Tribe. 

“The world is burning before our eyes in a record-breaking summer of extreme heat and climate disasters. Scientists around the world are gravely alarmed about how rapidly climate change is accelerating. The oceans are boiling, workers and poor communities, disproportionately Indigenous communities, and people of color, are dying from extreme heat and dehydration, and floods and wildfires are raging across the planet,” the letter begins. 

The letter and the March to End Fossil Fuels come just days ahead of the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit also being held in New York City on September 20th. It is first-such summit being promoted as dedicated to ending the fossil fuel era. The letter calls on President Biden to make the commitments necessary to participate in the summit, “We ask that you step through those Summit doors and commit to stop approving fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure, phase out existing production, and declare a climate emergency to accelerate a just transition off fossil fuels.” 

“For Caribbean and other Indigenous Peoples who are on the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis, we need to be visible, heard, and fully and effectively participate in the development of policy and international, national, and local strategies to combat manmade temperature rise, which is fueling the degradation of the environment, increasing natural disasters and extreme weather events as well as food and water insecurity and conflict,” said Kasike R. Múkaro Agueibaná Borrero.

The representatives of the United Confederation of Taíno People and the Guainía Taíno Tribe will be present at the March to End Fossil Fuels, which will begin at 1:00 PM ET in New York City on Sunday, September 17. Organizers are predicting this will be largest climate mobilization since the start of the pandemic as thousands of participants from across the globe will march together to urge President Biden to phase out fossil fuels and declare a climate emergency ahead of the UN Climate Ambition Summit.

UCTPTN 09.13.2023

2nd Prayer Walk Held to Raise Awareness on Radioactive Roads Bill

Some of the participants of the walk held on September 9th

Florida (UCTP Taíno News) – A group of Indigenous Peoples and allies held a prayer walk to bring awareness to the so-called “Radioactive Roads Bill” and the Climate Crisis. The 8 mile walk was held on September 9th and was organized by Garrett Stuart and Betty Osceola of Miccosukee Tribe. The walk was supported by the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP).

Commenting on the prayer walk, UCTP Florida Liaison Officer Robert Rosa stated, “It’s important to connect people with nature as well as to bring attention to the fact that we are only killing ourselves when we allow the destruction of the environment.”

The controversial “radioactive roads” bill was lobbied for by the fertilizer giant Mosaic and signed by Florida Republican Governor DeSantis in June 2023. The bill allows for roads across the State of Florida to be made with "radioactive" mining waste that has been linked to cancer. The measure allows phosphogypsum to be added to the list of "recyclable materials" used for road construction. Phosphogypsum are the remains left behind from mining phosphate, which is described by the EPA as being a "radioactive material" because it contains "small amounts" of uranium and radium. 

Phosphate is used to create fertilizer and as the leftover material, phosphogypsum, decays it produces radon, which is a potentially cancer-causing, radioactive gas. The Clean Air Act requires that phosphogypsum be managed in specialized process to prevent it from coming in contact with people and the environment. Because of the danger it poses, phosphogypsum, it is not stored in landfills. 

While the bill has been signed by DeSantis, the Florida Department of Transportation will need to conduct a study to "evaluate the suitability" of its use. This study will need to be completed by April 1, 2024.

UCTPTN 09.10.2023

Taíno Leaders Attend Stonebreakers Premier in NYC

At the Stonebreakers premiere at the Brooklyn Film Festival, (L to R), Joselyn Kaxyek Borrero, UCTP President R. Mukaro Agueibaná Borrero, Film director Valerio Ciriaci, Wanda Anainaru Hernandez, and Guainia Taino Tribe Council member, Heriberto Guaraguaniki Martinez

Brooklyn, NY (UCTP Taíno News) – The documentary film, Stonebreakers, made its New York debut at the Brooklyn Film Festival on June 3, 2023. Stonebreakers documents the controversy around public “monuments” that arose during the George Floyd protests and around the 2020 presidential election. The film highlights advocacy toward the removal of statues of Columbus, Confederates, and Founding Fathers as well as community-led initiatives to highlight alternative historic and community icons.

Stonebreakers film will continue to be screened at various festivals throughout the year. The premiere in Brooklyn also featured a Q & A session after the screening that included the film’s producers, as well as film Director Valerio Ciriaci, Folklorist Joseph Sciorra, and R. Mukaro Agueibaná Borrero, President of the United Confederation of Taíno People and Kasike (chief) of the Guainía Taíno Tribe of Boriken. Both Sciorra and Kasike Borrero appear in the film. The film credits also thank the United Confederation of Taíno People among many other entities. 

“I commend the filmmakers on a powerful and important work. It is my hope this film will be seen by many as I feel it can help those who don’t understand this issue, perhaps building more empathy and support for the removal of racist icons such as Columbus statues” stated Kasike Borrero.

Information on additional screenings can be found on the Awen Films website.

UCTPTN 06.06.2023

Parte a Soraya el Kasike Martín “CacibaOpil” Veguilla Díaz

Kasike Martín “CacibaOpil” Veguilla Díaz

Declaración conjunta: La Confederación Unida del Pueblo Taíno y el Iukaieke Guainía hacen pausa solemne y se unen en solidaridad y respeto a todos nuestros hermanos del Pueblo Taíno Arawak ante la pérdida física de quien en vida fue el Kasike Martín “CacibaOpil” Veguilla Díaz, líder desde su fundación, del Concilio Taíno Guatú Ma Cú a Borikén.

El Kasike CacibaOpil dedicó décadas de su vida a la reafirmación de la sobrevivencia indígena del Caribe, particularmente la de Borikén. Fue un destacado artesano y su preparación como artista escénico le permitió desarrollar y enaltecer nuestros propios areítos de una manera históricamente precisa tanto para presentaciones culturales a través del archipiélago de Borikén y la diáspora, así como también ceremoniales con nuestra población indígena. Desarrolló sistemas de enseñanza para su comunidad desde historia, prácticas espirituales, culturales y ceremoniales hasta las cotidianas como la agricultura tradicional indígena, las medicinas y modos de vida.

Expresamos nuestras más profundas condolencias a toda la Comunidad Guatú Ma Cú, reconociendo que muchos veían al Kasike CacibaOpil como un padre y cariñosamente lo apodaban “Viejo”, término de cariño que normalmente se utiliza para los padres.

Deja una huella indeleble en el aniki (mente, corazón y espíritu) tal como nuestros propios ancestros nos dejaron los petroglifos. Nos quedan sus composiciones musicales que honran y enaltecen nuestra amada cultura y que ahora marcan la historia de nuestro Pueblo Vivo mientras los ancestros le reciben en amor y alegría y lo acompañan hasta el lugar sagrado que llamamos Soraya y/o Koaibei.

CUPT/IG 7.02.2023

THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION REVIEWS THE UNITED STATES AND QUESTIONS ITS RECORD OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AGAINST INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

IITC Delegation includes UCTP Representative, Tai Pelli

Geneva, Switzerland: From August 9 through 13, 2022 four delegates representing the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) participated in the long-awaited review of racial discrimination in the United States (US) by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) during its 107th Session in Geneva Switzerland.  CERD is the Treaty monitoring body for the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), to which the US is a State Party.

The CERD’s review will assess US. compliance with its legally binding obligations under the ICERD to eliminate racial discrimination.  This was the first review of the US since 2014 since the previous US administration chose to ignore the due date for submission of its report in November 2019. The current US report was submitted in June 2021, and representatives from 10 US government agencies participated in the review.

 

On August 9, the CERD provided the opportunity for Indigenous Peoples and Civil Society delegations to make statements about the US lack of compliance with the ICERD and to provide examples of unaddressed and unreported racial discrimination. Summer Blaze Aubrey, IITC Staff Attorney, summarized IITC’s written “Shadow Report” which addressed historic and ongoing violations of the Treaties concluded by the US with Indigenous Nations and the many forms of racial discrimination and human rights violations taking place as a result. There were also two informal breakfast meetings on August 10 and 11 in which Indigenous Peoples and Civil Society again had a chance to speak with Committee members regarding the US’s lack of compliance with the Convention.

 

The IITC also credentialed Chief Gary Harrison, Chickaloon Native Village Alaska, and IITC Consulting Attorney June Lorenzo, Laguna Pueblo and Diné. IITC Board member Tai Pelli also participated, credentialed under her organization, IITC affiliate the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP). The Western Shoshone Defense Project and the Changing Woman Initiative were among the other Indigenous delegations represented at the session.

 

The Committee carried out its formal review and questioning of the US on August 11 and 12. Mr. Mehrdad Payandeh, CERD member from Germany, focused on Indigenous issues for the review.  He questioned the US about key issues that had been raised by the Indigenous Peoples delegations, including:

• The negative impacts of colonialism on the enjoyment of human rights, highlighting that “human rights violations of Indigenous Peoples are a persistent legacy of colonialism.”
• The concrete implementation of the January 2021 Presidential memorandum on “Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships,” including efforts to give effect to Tribal Treaties.
• The US implementation of dialogues with Indigenous Peoples and traditional and Tribal leaders including Indigenous Peoples of insular territories, such as for example, the Taíno, as well as other unrecognized Indigenous Peoples.
• The failure of the US to implement CERD General Comment 23 regarding the full and non-restrictive implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent and the significant and direct impacts on Indigenous Peoples rights and way of life.
• The question of free, prior and informed consent and rights of Indigenous Peoples in regard to their land, territories, sacred sites, and way of life, including the adverse effects of the activities of the extractive industries including extraction of transition minerals, infrastructure projects, and the construction of border fences and walls.
• US response to early warning and urgent action procedures submitted by the Lipan Apache, Native Hawaiian, Gwich’in, Anishinaabe, and Western Shoshone Peoples.
• Concerns over jurisdictional complexities impacting cases of violence against Indigenous persons, especially in cases of sexual violence.
• Concerns over transnational corporations and private security companies and violations of human rights of Indigenous Peoples.

 

Based on his questions, it was clear to the IITC delegation that the Committee and Mr. Payandeh in particular had heard the concerns presented by Indigenous Peoples.  IITC looks forward to the CERD’s concluding observations regarding the US which are expected to be released before the end of the current session on August 30th.

 

Tai Pelli reflected on the power of the Indigenous Peoples delegations’ contributions in Geneva: “The strong and united collaboration of all the Indigenous delegations made a victory out of our participation.  The Committee members took into account all of the issues presented by Indigenous Peoples in their questions to the USA.”

 

The IITC’s  alternative report submitted to the CERD can be found here.  The United States’ periodic report can be found here.

Press Release courtesy of the IITC

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 

Taíno Confederation calls for Investigation into Archeological Site Destruction

Luquillo, Borikén (Puerto Rico) – In a recent communication to the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture, the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) called for an investigation to determine the damage to an Indigenous archeological site in Luquillo. The UCTP was made aware of the issue after a video report made by advocate Eliezer Molina surfaced on social media. Molina’s video documents extensive damage to ancient pottery as a road was being made into the area's wetlands. 

In the communication to Nancy Santiago, Director, Archeological and Ethnohistory Program at the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture (ICP), the Confederation stated the site was “considered of significant cultural importance to Taíno Peoples and archeologically.” 

Upon initial inquiry, the UCTP has so far determined that the damage caused by heavy machinery is linked to developer Federico Stubbe. The construction is related to a proposed hotel tied to the Marriott company.

“The UCTP is calling on the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and the government of Puerto Rico to implement the applicable laws for the protection of cultural patrimony in Puerto Rico and immediately halt the construction,” said R. Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero, President, United Confederation of Taíno People. He continued, stating that “the Confederation is also calling for an in-depth cultural and environmental impact study, including an assessment of the damage, and of the legality of the construction permitting process.” 

The UCTP’s communication to the ICP also notes that what is occurring in Luquillo is a “recurring tragedy on the island as development projects are continuously fast-tracked” regardless of the damage to the archeological record or the concerns of Taíno Peoples. “UCTP representatives are in touch with and support local protests concerning the site. A group of concerned individuals have set up a camp near the area called Campamiento Cangrejo,” stated Tai Pelli, UCTP Human Rights and International Relations Officer. “They have also established a petition that the UCTP supports. 

Evidence shows that the archeological site is connected to wetlands that were protected for decades. The damage could be in violation of several laws including Puerto Rican Public Law 112, July 20th, 1988, which is supposed to protect archaeological sites. Additionally, the damage documented by Molina and others appears to violate U.S. Federal Laws including the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, Section 404, which is the primary vehicle for Federal regulation of activities that occur in wetlands.

For more information, contact oirrc@uctp.org

Taíno Confederation Condemns Christies Auction House

A Taíno amulet among pieces to be auctioned by Christie's Auction House

UCTP Taíno News - Taíno community members have expressed outrage upon learning that the renowned Christies' Auction House will be auctioning off "Taíno Masterworks" in collaboration with France's Musee de l’Homme on November 10, 2021. An online petition calling for a halt to the auction and a return of the sacred items has garnered substantial visibility of the issue with thousands of signatories and mainstream press coverage. Individual community members have taken to the internet to support the call to stop the sale and for the repatriation of the cultural items. 

The United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) has expressed public support for the petition and condemned Christie's for facilitating these sales.  In a communication sent to Christie's representative, Fatma Turkkan-Wille, UCTP President, R. Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero stated: 

"The UCTP condemns these auction plans and demands a halt to the scheduled proceedings. The UCTP further calls upon the seller to immediately enter into a dialogue with Taíno leadership and the Government of the Dominican Republic to plan an appropriate repatriation process." 

The UCTP communication further states that the pending sale is "a violation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples." 

UCTPTN 11082021

Newton, Massachusetts to celebrate its first Indigenous Peoples Day

Chali'naru Dones and Dr. Darlene Flores, co-founders of Indigenous Peoples Day Newton

Newton, Massachusetts (UCTP Taíno News) - Following a legislative recent action by the Newtown City Council, a committee has been formed to organize and commemorate the first annual Indigenous Peoples Day in Newton, MA. Co-founding the organizing committee are two Taíno women, Chali’naru Dones, a member of the Guainía Taíno Tribe, and Dr. Darlene Flores of the Higuayagua Union. 

“It is very encouraging and a source of pride to see Taíno women taking a lead on Indigenous Peoples Day in Newton” stated R. Múkaro Borrero, President, United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP). “The Confederation supported Newton’s official recognition of Indigenous People Day and presented testimony during the public hearing process.” 

The United Confederation of Taíno People is an official co-sponsor of the Indigenous Peoples Day, Newton, which will take place on October 11, 2021, at Albemarle Park in Newtown from 12-5:00 PM. Tai Pelli, a representative of the United Confederation of Taíno People, is confirmed as a keynote speaker.  

Indigenous Peoples Day in Newton promises to be a family-oriented cultural and spiritual celebration featuring musical, dance, and spoken word performances. The organizers are also planning a Talking Circle facilitated by Indigenous elders, immersive educational cultural exhibits, and a market featuring Indigenous artists and community groups. 

Donations are being accepted to support the program and its associated costs.

UCTPTN

Decolonizing Indigenous Grounds

By Nichole Bodin, MPA

The Effect of Indigenous National Parks in Modern History 

The Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center in Utuado is one of the Caribbean's most important Taíno archeological sites.

Artifacts created by Indigenous Peoples are an essential part of any basic archaeological research necessary for sociocultural and historic reattachment. In this modern era, there is incredibly limited information in relation to most Taíno historical aspects and our Indigenous ancestor’s circle of life dated before colonial times. Because of that, material cultural studies of Indigenous heritage are underappreciated. In order to understand the history of Borikén (Puerto Rico), which began over 6,000 years ago, worldwide recognition is needed to diffuse the authentic revelation that the so-called New World had an organized and complex society with an enriched culture. 

During the 1950s, the idea of a Caribbean sociocultural evolution intrigued some American archaeologists like Gordon Childe, Robert Redfield, Julian Stewart, and Leslie White. Their works manifested different and diverse points of view. A great number of North Americans traced sequence units of sociocultural development and they called them archaeological epochs, levels, or stages. A decade later, new studies by Herbert Spencer and Lewis Henry Morgan added advanced dimensions with regard to the understanding of the processes involved. For the past 20 years, some evolution and classification models have been deeply criticized, causing investigators to use alternative terminology. These topics related to artifacts (also called material culture) have to help to define educational and intellectual concepts in fields like visual arts, literature, architecture, urban design, and traditional popular culture. 

But somehow, the pre-colonial or pre-Colombian history of Borikén and the Antilles are still a part of practical connections of production styles that are artistic guesses over artifact interpretation. These interpretations are based on research made without any type of verification concerning their social and practical uses within the archaeological findings. As a result, the historic framework used in National Parks during their conceptualization process should have adopted a greater responsible vision to inform, preserve and interpret a more complete structure of the complexity of the human experience. This would assist in the comprehension of the past in a more coherent and intelligent manner that respects our ancestorial community and their legacy. The majority of the scholastic approaches have only allowed moldable flexibility for archaeological researchers for easy identification of a specific region into supposedly appropriate descriptions based on race interaction, ethnicity, class, and genre (in and between topics) within the broader timeline of Caribbean studies. 

The historic designation of Indigenous National Parks in Borikén falls into the same category with regard to their legitimacy in relation to the jurisdictional lines that this colony suffered at hands of Spain and the USA for hundreds of years. For instance, some of the cultural assessments for historic buildings and sites and their designations don't consider the strong relationship that a National Park has with state-sponsored museum projects. Even though these are two different aspects of historic conservation, parks and museums are bound together and their current status with local community involvement is crucial for their sustainability. 

The area that stands out as the most important restored archaeological site in Puerto Rico is located in the Caguana neighborhood of Utuado, formerly known as Capá, a part of a region of important indigenous archaeological remains. The Caguana Ceremonial Center park consists of 10 restored bateys surrounded by a variety of stones with petroglyphs. It was rediscovered as a part of an archaeological project, with a survey done at the beginning of the XX century that was sponsored by academia and its institutional scholars from the Scientific Survey of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This project was organized by Dr. Franz Boaz. This study was intended to create an inventory site from 1200 AD with different aspects of the recently acquired American colony. Because of that, current ongoing concerns about the possible lack of efforts for investigation, accompanied by the high precipitation conditions that affect the sites located at the mountainous inner center of the Island make preservation efforts deeply overlooked. The progressive deterioration of the remaining material culture found in these areas is an ongoing, unresolved topic. Caguana is an important region because it is considered that it has significant cultural resources that not only could provide clues about the social and political developments, but also it can be eligible for potential recognition within the framework of worldwide historic places. 

On July 25th, 2005, the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) and other local Indigenous groups manifested their cultural concerns with disgust regarding the deteriorating condition and management of the park to the administration of the Caguana Ceremonial Center. The Taíno people called this historic action "El Grito de Caguana" and demanded social justice for the restrictions that were imposed at the Center including their policies related to the restrained use of the site during certain hours. This resulted in a peaceful 17-day protest and hunger strike that brought international attention to the conditions that were perpetuated by maintaining colonial dependency on historic antiquity. As the issues of genocide and dominant colonialism emerged during these firm protests, the real question is why these burial grounds aren't protected from certain development damages while the real descendants of the ancestors fight for the proper preservation and protection of the site. The ideal effort for cultural recognition would be a more active public involvement that fights for constant renewal and strong revival for Indigenous parks in Borikén. But what about the restoration of museums and the historic designation that does not involve any acquisition of resources for reexamining history after colonial genocide? What kind of jobs are created in order to continue and remodel an obsolete model created by an alteration of events that needs recovery and systematic healing? 

Caguana is not the largest ceremonial center, nor the only one to display petroglyphs, but it is undoubtedly unique in the Caribbean. It is located on a small terrace adjacent to the upper reaches of the Tanamá River, in the central-western mountain range, west of Utuado in Borikén. When facing to the South, it borders the igneous-plutonic massifs typical of the area, while to the North it faces unique karst formations with conical tertiary limestone dotted with small details. The 22 petroglyphs of the principal plaza has zoomorphic traits that can symbolize the ancestors of the chiefs and can be related to the sociopolitical activities done there. An in-depth study about the sociocultural aspects of the petroglyphs and artifacts that are at Caguana's museum could reestablish the lost identity of those affected by the everlasting colonialism that has perpetuated through the continuous cultural exploitation that the Caribbean still suffers. 

A way to accomplish real social justice for the victims of slavery, genocide, and racial discrimination in the Caribbean is to create new discussions on Caribbean reparations that approach the problem within the Taíno context due to the ongoing violation of Indigenous rights. How the State responds to its liable responsibility of Indigenous rights matters is more about the obsolete jurisdiction laws of land management. This situation has created a dilemma regarding the genocidal stigma and abusive exploitations, which continue to be committed against Indigenous Peoples by the same States who are alleging to represent them. The concept of national patrimony has to be revisited. The only way that academia can help resolve their ongoing misappropriation within their museum curation is by acknowledging past wrongs with a deeper process that involves ‘cultural reparations’ and community involvement.

Nichole Bodin has a Masters in Caribbean Archelogy from the Center of Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. 

Taíno Confederation joins the opposition to U.S. interference in Mexico’s phaseout of glyphosate and GM corn

Washington, DC (UCTP Taíno News) - Today, 80 U.S. organizations delivered a letter to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai, opposing the interference by U.S. government officials and agribusiness interests in Mexico’s planned phaseout of glyphosate and genetically modified corn. Signatories to the letter included representatives of Indigenous Peoples, American farmers, workers, consumers, public healths, sustainable agriculture, and other food systems research and advocacy groups. Further, over 6,900 petition signatures from concerned individuals were delivered as well. 

As revealed by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the Center for Biological Diversity, under the Trump administration, public officials at USTR and USDA strategized with agrochemical industry representatives from CropLIfe America and Bayer AG (which produces glyphosate) on ways to urge the Mexican government to rescind its policy decisions. After, USTR warned Mexico’s Minister of Economy that Mexico’s action threatened the “strength of our bilateral relationship.” 

The United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) and the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO) were signatories to the letter. UCTP President and CADO Co-President, R. Múkaro Borrero stated, "The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world the importance of food security and food sovereignty at national and local levels. Moving toward a right relationship with food and the Earth should be at the top of our global priorities. Other countries should follow Mexico’s example for the phaseout. If you claim to care about the present and future generations, there is no sane reason to be in opposition." 

The joint letter and petition to USTR and USDA urged that the agencies should respect Mexico’s sovereignty and refrain from interfering with its right to enact its own protective policies. The U.S. groups and individuals echoed concerns from agricultural and civil society organizations in Mexico:

"We reject the pressure from corporations such as Bayer-Monsanto — and their CropLife trade association — which are working in both the United States and Mexico to undermine the presidential decree that phases out the use of glyphosate and transgenic corn," declared Fernando Bejarano, director of Pesticide Action Network in Mexico (RAPAM).

Bejarano went on to explain, “We are part of the No Maize No Country Campaign, a broad coalition of peasant organizations, non-profit NGOs, academics and consumers, which support the presidential decree and fight for food sovereignty with the agroecological transformation of agricultural systems that guarantee the right to produce and consume healthy, nutritious food, free of pesticides and transgenics.”

UCTPTN 04.30.2021

Pueblo Taíno ignorado por el Ministerio de Cultura de la República Dominicana sobre asunto de Repatriación del Semí de Algodón Taíno en Italia

Comunicado de Prensa para difusión inmediata - Pueblo Taíno ignorado por el Ministerio de Cultura de la República Dominicana sobre asunto de Repatriación del Semí de Algodón Taíno en Italia

27 de abril de 2021 - La Confederación Unida del Pueblo Taíno, junto a varias Organizaciones representativas del Pueblo Taíno interesadas en colaborar con el proceso de Repatriación Internacional del Sagrado Semí de Algodón ubicado en Italia nos dirigimos a la Ministra de Cultura de la República Dominicana, la Sra. Carmen Heredia Vda. de Guerrero en comunicación por escrito y enviada a través de correo electrónico el día 23 de febrero de este año.
Se esperó un tiempo razonable, y sin embargo no recibimos respuesta de nadie de dicha oficina ni a través del mensaje que se le había enviado por Twitter a la Sra. Ministra.
“...Afirmando además que todas las doctrinas, políticas y prácticas basadas en la superioridad de determinados pueblos o individuos o que la propugnan aduciendo razones de origen nacional o diferencias raciales, religiosas, étnicas o culturales son racistas, científicamente falsas, jurídicamente inválidas, moralmente condenables y socialmente injustas, Reafirmando que, en el ejercicio de sus derechos, los pueblos indígenas deben estar libres de toda forma de discriminación, Preocupada por el hecho de que los pueblos indígenas han sufrido injusticias históricas como resultado, entre otras cosas, de la colonización y de haber sido desposeídos de sus tierras, territorios y recursos, lo que les ha impedido ejercer, en particular, su derecho al desarrollo de conformidad con sus propias necesidades e intereses,
Reconociendo la urgente necesidad de respetar y promover los derechos intrínsecos de los pueblos indígenas, que derivan de sus estructuras políticas, económicas y sociales y de sus culturas, ….”
- Preámbulo de la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas
El 23 de marzo de 2021, considerándolo ya un tiempo más que razonable para contestarnos, volvimos a tratar de comunicarnos por teléfono y explicamos el motivo de nuestra comunicación y ahora con la preocupación de que nadie nos había respondido. Se nos indicó que el correo electrónico había sido pasado al Sr. Octavio Mejía, Director de Gabinete. El caballero aparentemente se encontraba de reunión y se le dejó recado para que se comunicara con nosotros. Se nos indicó que tan pronto saliera de su reunión se haría entrega del recado y que podíamos esperar su llamada esa tarde o al día siguiente. Nunca recibimos dicha llamada.
Hoy 27 de abril de 2021, volvimos a llamar y fuimos atendidos por recepción, expresamos nuevamente el asunto, la recepcionista tomó nuestros datos y razón de llamada para pasar el mensaje, y también nos hizo transferencia a la oficina de la Ministra. No hubo nadie que respondiera, ni oportunidad para dejar mensaje grabado.
Nuestra comunidad Taíno lleva ya más de dos meses tratando de establecer un diálogo con la Oficina de la Ministra de Cultura de la República Dominicana para tratar un tema de extrema importancia para nuestro Pueblo y de un proceso al cual tenemos derecho de acuerdo a la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas y la cual el mismo estado miembro, la República Dominicana, presentó junto a otros estados miembros ante la Asamblea General de la ONU, y endosó.
Recurrimos por esta razón a la prensa con el único deseo de traer enfoque a los derechos del Pueblo Indígena Taíno y para integrarnos en un esfuerzo colaborativo y como partícipes del proceso de repatriación internacional que incluya los mecanismos internacionales disponibles a los Pueblos Indígenas como lo pudiera ser el Mecanismo de Expertos sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas de las Naciones Unidas, entre otros.

Para mayor información favor de comunicarse con Tai Pelli, Oficial de Relaciones Internacionales y Derechos Humanos de la Confederación Unida del Pueblo Taíno,

taipelli21@gmail.com ó (321)444-1386.

Volcano eruptions in St. Vincent Creating a Humanitarian Crisis

Ash coats a hillside on St. Vincent on April 11, 2021. (Photo by UWI-Seismic Research Centre, Prof. Robertson)

St. Vincent and the Grenadines (UCTP Taino News) - La Soufrière, a volcano on the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent began a series of intense eruptions last Friday. For close to a week, subsequent eruptions have covered the island in volcanic ash. Super-heated gas and lava flows have gushed down the mountainside. Thousands of residents in the affected “Red Zone” area are now displaced or have been evacuated. A humanitarian crisis is now emerging as islanders are left without clean water and electricity. Several news sources are reporting that government officials fear the situation will also exacerbate the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These are the times we need to be ready to support our relatives” stated Irvince Auguiste, a co-President of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO). Auguiste is a member of the Kalinago (Carib) Nation of Dominica and a former Chief of the territory. He continued by stating “CADO and the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) will be collaborating on a relief effort for the Indigenous Kalinago community and others in St. Vincent.”

The dome of the volcano was completely destroyed during the periodic eruptions. Reports estimate that more than 460 million cubic tons of earth and rock have jettisoned into the atmosphere from the eruptions. The wind is carrying the volcanic ash to St. Vincent’s island neighbors such as Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Lucia. Eruptions and seismic activity are expected to continue over the next few days.

UCTPTN 04/15/2021

Dr. Erica Mercado Moore Join appointed UCTP Liaison Officer in South Dakota

South Dakota (UCTP Taíno News) - The United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) has appointed Erica Mercado Moore as a UCTP Liaison Officer in the State of South Dakota. Dr. Moore is a community member of Iukaieke Guainía and South Dakota State University's American Indian Student Center Director. She began her work at SDSU in July 2019 after spending four years as the chief academic officer at the Lower Brule Community College.

"We are very excited to welcome Dr. Moore as part of our leadership community. Her passion and experience in supporting American Indian students in higher education will greatly assist the Confederation in its work at the local, national, and international level," stated R. Múkaro Borrero, President of the United Confederation of Taíno People. 

Moore earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maryland University College and a master’s degree in history from the American Military University. She completed her doctorate from Northcentral University in 2016.

UCTPTN 03/03/2021

Indigenous Peoples Day Rally

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 10: Chali'Naru Dones, with the United Confederation of Taino People, marches past the Old State House while participating in the Indigenous Peoples Day rally and march in Boston on Oct. 10, 2020. The United American Indians of New England organized a demonstration on Saturday to continue the ongoing movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day and to demand the City remove the Columbus statue from Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park for good. (Photo by Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Online Gathering of Ethical Women Includes a Taíno Leader

Tai Pelli, UCTP Officer

Madrid, Spain (UCTP Taíno News) - A successful virtual encounter of Ethical Women with Equity Souls, was organized by La Red Internacional de Mujeres y Hombres Girasol Asorbaex (International Network of Sunflower Asorbaex Women and Men) and El Foro de Mujeres de Iberoamérica (Ibero-American Women’s Forum) on August 9, 2020. More than 80 women and men virtually from across Latin America  and Spain including talented professionals, businesswomen, associate weaving women, social activists for peace, human rights, and the environment, as well as poets, writers, cultural managers, academics, teachers, investigators, and doctors, among others.

Tai Pelli, International Relations and Human Rights Officer of the United Confederation of Taíno People and Co-President/ Co-founder of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO), was one of the featured speakers. The 7-hour meeting, made possible by the Jitsi Platform, generated new perspectives on empowerment, equity, sorority, equality, and gender identity through the exchange of ancestral knowledge, experiences, ways of knowing, labor, talent, and wisdom. The Board of Directors of ASORBAEXexpressed how grateful they were to be able to count on this diverse network of dedicated individuals from around the world who are all working toward well-being, cohesion, social justice, and peace. 

The organizers are planning a series of virtual meetings running between September through October 2020. Dates to be announced. 

Opinion: Boriken’s National Patrimony- A Diminishing Experience

The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, or ICP, San Juan, Borikén (Puerto Rico)

By Nichole Bodin

As the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP) slowly disappears as an artifact of a new administrative debt-ridden speculative revenue plan, few find hope for fixing Caribbean history. An alternative could be within the horizon to positively create a better future for the few remaining legitimized Caribbean institutions along with the unborn cultural foundations and academies of Puerto Rico. Beautiful collections and strong archaeological evidence of the Island’s cultural fusion will lose its photos, postcards, petroglyphs, ceramics, songs, poems, and more, while the impending duplicity of the patrimony’s mission fails once again to conserve and preserve Puerto Rico’s culture. 

The ICP is currently located at the old colonial Spanish Welfare House in Old San Juan, and soon it will become a hotel. The Hotel San Felipe is expected to be rehabilitated with an estimated investment of $20 million. The concept is a boutique Hotel development that is proposed through the politicized conservation of the ICP’s historical structure while adding a restaurant, a bar, two luxury spas, and different hospitality and service areas. 

After an unjustifiable transaction was endorsed on December 27, 2016, (three days after the administration of past Governor Alejandro García Padilla ended) a lease agreement was signed by Arnold Benus under the company Gran Hotel San Felipe del Morro, and then Director of Land Administration- Luis Rivero Cubano. This agreement states that a rent of $5,000 per month will be paid during the hotel’s construction process, $85,000 annual fee the first three years of operation, and $100,000 annual the rest. After 10 years, the rent will be increased 15% of the base or 3.5% of the profit of the hotel operation every five years, while after the fourth year of rent, they will only pay 5% of the net earnings after taxes. In order to transform the historic Asilo de Beneficencia building, the headquarters of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, the Gran Hotel San Felipe del Morro development company must have the approval of the Puerto Rico National Park Company, as the use of the structure is still intended for a public purpose from its transfer to the island by the United States Government. 

The biggest concern is how the $10 million assigned for or ICP’s headquarters recovery funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after Hurricane Maria are going to be used, and how this audacious orchestration will end up in the hands of the already overly indulged private sector. El Castillo San Felipe del Morro is located on the northwestern point of the islet of Old San Juan, steps from the ICP, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations since 1983. With at least 2 million visitors yearly, the fortification is one of Puerto Rico’s leading tourist attraction, as well as the hotel’s expectations. 

But for now, San Juan’s current corrupt political leaders and government administrators have clearly coordinated again some last-minute oppressive and vicious acts to an already injured nation. With no real government functioning under Puerto Rican colonialism regime now, and with the possible dislocation of the ICP, Old San Juan is becoming a tourist attraction destined to respond to a culture of Disney characters dressed up as “Pirates of the Caribbean” while offering secret and private tour guides. This continuous cultural disinformation and distorted social image do not represent the Institute’s mission of years of work and study for the protection of the legacy and preservation of the Island’s National Treasures and historic patrimony. Old San Juan is already crammed with fancy hotels and numerous Airbnb’s functioning from historic buildings, and some already need restorations from the legal or illegal activities that helped acquire a level of wealth that allowed these businesses to live extravagantly within the National Historic Landmark District of Viejo San Juan. 

By not recognizing these cultural urgencies, a sense of annihilation creates a continuous and distasteful cultural and educational slaughter that noticeably encourages an interminable loss of historic knowledge from the Island’s ancestral contrast in history, its memorable cultural advances and tribal technology legacy. 

Every day, archaeological sites around the world continue to be destroyed through wars and political conflicts. In 1990, NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) declared that museums require to transfer human remains and any associated burial objects to culturally affiliated tribes. Nevertheless, Puerto Rico’s tourism process and absurd land exploitations through infrastructure development have always found itself in the middle of these juridical and patrimonial debates. 

It has been speculated that while Roosevelt Roads Naval Station operated in Ceiba, P.R. (1941-2004), the U.S. Armed Forces took at least 70,000 archaeological artifacts that were probably dated around 600 a.d., as these artifacts could be returned if an exemplary and modern depositary that operates within federally established norms is finally built in Puerto Rico. 

While President Donald Trump’s impeachment discrepancies keep proceeding, the political and economic relationship that Puerto Rico has with the United States will create a bigger and even more longstanding cultural hold-up, with more long-lasting identity damages. The Island’s everlasting jurisdictional oblivion and ethnic miscegenation have definitely created a more than ever alienated community. 

Indigenous movements around the world reflect their ‘cultural distinctiveness’, an important part of the post-colonial struggles for ethnic identity. The role of Latin American and Caribbean's social science has deconstructed Indians not as aboriginal, but as people that have been mediated by colonialism for hundreds of years. These reconstructions of mythological traditions, cultural identity, and social representations of traumatic experience of domination and colonialism have successfully deconstructed the superiority version of history and power. Borikén's (Puerto Rico's) Taíno and other self-identified Indigenous Peoples consists mostly of the genetically mestizo population of mixed European and Amerindian, while the ‘one-drop’ ruled principle of "invisible blackness" has loudly created a long history of violent racial interaction, slavery, and social segregation. 

A sense of urgency arises quickly when the most important cultural institution in a country is going to become a tourist hotel instead of a prestigious archaeological repository. Just as political corruption hits around the global news nowadays, Puerto Ricans question now the same interrogation since their first revolution: when is PR’s history going to be fixed? 

Museums and cultural activities are meant to promote unity and diplomacy in all societies by using their resources to ensure a better understanding of worldwide traditions with full knowledge of historic appreciation that will engender between peoples and nations. The future of the ICP’s artifacts is in danger, as new traditions develop quickly with a predilection aimed to naively annihilate the culture against tourism development. 

Although early museums were elitist and the general public was excluded, today’s museums and repositories have the mission to become agents of change and development that can foster peace, with strong ideals of democracy and transparency in their governance in order to include every group in the society. With the memory and recognition of the history of a culture, its different sectors, ages and how these community interests have created a way of life, the portrayal of customs and artistic manifestations will sustain, defend and preserve all forms of socio-cultural identities of the Circum-Caribbean Indio Old and New World experience. 

Nichole Bodin is a recent graduate from the Caribbean Archaeology Master's Program from the Center of Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Along with her B.A. in Humanities with a minor in fine art photography and a A.D in Audiovisual Communication, she has worked as a community and union organizer and has experience as a grassroots newspaper community journalist. Her shared observations on Puerto Rico's National Patrimony is of interest to our community of thinkers.

Cali Tzay Nominated for UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Jose Francisco Cali Tzay, Mayan Cakchiquel, former President of UNCERD

United Nations (UCTP Taino News) - The UN Human Rights Council accepted nominations for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples until October 2019. Among the nominees are Jose Francisco Cali Tzay, a Mayan Cakchiquel from Guatemala and former member (through December 2019) and past President of the UN CERD. In addition to his many other accomplishments, he is also the President of the Board of Directors of the International Indian Treaty Council for the past 20 years. 

Indigenous organizations from around the world have already submitted letters of support for the nomination of Cali Tzay, including the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP). 

In a joint statement with the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization, UCTP President, Roberto Múkaro Borrero stated: “We commend the remarkable work Mr. Cali Tzay has accomplished in the field of human rights, in particular, issues concerning indigenous peoples internationally, over his career.” 

In 2001, the Commission on Human Rights decided to appoint a Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, as part of the system of thematic Special Procedures. The Special Rapporteur’s mandate was renewed by the Commission on Human Rights in 2004, and by the Human Rights Council in 2007. 

Appointments of Special Procedures Mandate Holders are expected to be made at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 24 February - 20 March 2020. 

UCTPTN 02/15/2020