Healing Boriken from Lowell, Massachusetts

Youth dancers at the Healing Borikén fundraiser in Lowell, Massachusetts 

Lowell, Massachusetts (UCTP Taíno News) - HEALING BORIKÉN, a locally organized fundraiser to help the people of Borikén (Puerto Rico) following the devastation of Hurricane Maria took place at UTEC in Lowell, Massachusetts on March 22, 2018. The event's main organizer, Patricia Chali'naru Dones noted that the successful event was an opportunity to help people in “La Isla Del Encanto (The Island of Enchantment aka Puerto Rico) while coming out to dance, pray and heal." 

All the funds collected were contributed to support the Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund established by the United Confederation of Taíno People, a 501c3 organization that focuses its work primarily on the indigenous Taíno People of Caribbean. The goal of the UCTP fund is to procure and distribute critical resources being requested by community members such as water purification products, insect repellent, mosquito nets, personal hygiene products, and solar lanterns, etc., as well as emergency cash disbursements for families and UCTP volunteers on the ground.

Healing BORIKEN featured an amazing showcase of multi-cultural performers who donated their time and incredible talents to this worthy cause. Among the special guests was Jacinto "SpiritWolf" Vega, an actor who appeared in the 20th Century Fox Film Production of Crooked Arrows and an art exhibition by Joel Rosario Tapia. A screening of the video "Life without Power" by Roger Hernandez was also presented. Vinny Tata'niki Iraheta, son of Chali'naru Dones, performed a special Pow Wow dance presentation. 

Chali'naru Dones is a member of the Guainía Taíno Tribe and a special representative of the United Confederation of Taíno People. 

UCTPTN 03/23/2018