Indigenous Peoples Day Established in Pennsylvania

Several participants at the 2012 Indigenous Peoples Day in Philadelphia. From left to right - Peta-Gay Roberts (Taino), Hon Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown, UCTP President R. Mukaro Borrero, Joselyn Borrero (Tlingit), and Ramon Ramos (Taino). 

Pennsylvania (UCTP Taino News) - The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on October 3^rd, recognized “Pennsylvania’s American Indian peoples and communities”, as well as the first Saturday in the month of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. The recognition was issued in “noncontroversial” House Resolution No. 861, introduced to the Assembly by Hon. Representatives V. Brown, Bishop, Brennen, Caltagirone, Digirolamo, Kirkland, Parker, Cultler, M.O’Briean, Staback, and Frankel.  

The resolution acknowledges the “many great nations that inhabited the territory”, such as the Lenape, as well as the many “American Indian Peoples living in urban cities like Philadelphia”.  At the presentation of Resolution 861 in Harrisburg, several local Indigenous representatives were invited to address the Assembly including Carlos Rivera, leader of Yucayeque Taino Ma’Oconuco.    

Following the presentation of House Resolution 861, a celebratory festive was held in Muhammad Park in Philadelphia to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day on October 6th. Indigenous Peoples from around the State and from as far as Canada gathered to share history and culture. The gathering was attended by Hon. Representative Vanessa Lowery Brown, who distributed copies of Resolution 861 to the participants and attendees. Seventh Generation Radio host and local Indigenous activist, Brother El “Owl” Ali addressed the gathering citing the significance of the Day for all Indigenous Peoples of Pennsylvania. El Ali was one of the main proponents lobbying for Indigenous Peoples Day, which was first recognized, last year at the local governmental level in Philadelphia.  

At the event, El Ali also acknowledged the United Confederation of Taíno People and its President, R. Múkaro Borrero, for being the “inspiration” to lobby for an “Indigenous Peoples Day in Pennsylvania”. Borrero was on hand to receive a copy of the Resolution on behalf of the Confederation.   

UCTPTN 10.11.2012

Treasures of the Ancestral Spirits

This event takes place in Jamaica, West Indies

Peace and Dignity Runners on the Move

Sacred staffs from Kiskeia (Dominican Republic) and Boriken (Puerto Rico) unite in New York.In photo from left to right Vanessa Inarunuka Pastrana, Roman Guaraguorix Perez, Maximus Prophet, Raphael Landron, and Hector Cerda. Photo courtesy of Amy Ponce

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) – A group of Taino people participating in the 2012 Peace and Dignity Journeys left New York this week toward the mid-west to begin a ceremonial run that will concluded later this year in Guatemala. The group’s original east coast route was changed to answer a call to assist other runners near the Chicago area. The Peace and Dignity journeys are intercontinental runs organized to link indigenous communities throughout the hemisphere and raise awareness on indigenous issues.

The contingent that departed New York was part of an historic ceremony at Brook Park this past Sunday, which introduced a sacred prayer staff or “matuko” from Kiskeia (Dominican Republic) to the bundle of staffs that arrived with runners from Boriken (Puerto Rico). These prayer staffs represent the “prayers of the people” and are carried by the runners throughout the run.

The two groups of approximately 18 runners, representing citizens of various indigenous Nations and communities, are now expected to arrive in the Pittsburgh area late tonight. They will be hosted by the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle and the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center. The participants and supporters are planning for ceremony on Saturday morning before they move on toward Ohio and beyond.

As in previous runs, the 2012 Peace and Dignity Journeys are a grass-roots effort, supported by the runners themselves, caring individuals, and various indigenous communities. Donations are still actively being sought to assist the runners with food, transportation expenses, and other necessities. Monetary donations can be made via Pay Pal until August 15 at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/164824. Organizers stress that “no donation is too small” and that those interested in supporting this historic initiative can contact vanessainaru@gmail.com  for more information.

UCTPTN 08.10.2012   

Raul Lall representing Guyana at Judo at London Olympics

GUYANA - Starting today, national lightweight judo champion Raul Lall of the Rising Sun Judo Dojo will becomethe first Guyanese Judoka to actually compete at the Olympics. Lall started playing Judo about 3 years ago, coming from a strong a judo family, both his father and uncle played, his uncle being one of the best judokas a Guyana ever produced and the founder of the Rising Sun dojo.

Raul shot up through Judo ranks bouyed by amazing natural talent, the ability to absorb what he is taught and a stubborn attitude to just win competitions, he has absolutely dominated the lightweight category.  For the last 2 years no local lightweight could get past Lall.

The use of heavy weights has given the 18 year old a distinct advantage against competitors his size, being able to power past them in competition.  He will hope to combine his power and skill to bring Guyana glory at these game, no easy task, but his tenacious nature will ensure he gives his best shot.

Lall is trained by Bruce Fraser – Instructor Rising Sun, and the entire club is rooting for him to do well at the London Olympic Games.

Source: Kaieteur News

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