Taíno People Participate in Mohegan Wigwam Festival

UCTP Liaison Officer Angel Ortiz carrying the Taíno Confederation Flag at the Wigwam Festival

Uncasville, CT (UCTP Taíno News) - Indigenous Peoples from across the country converged for a family-friendly weekend of traditional Native American crafts, foods and dance competitions held at Fort Shantok in Uncasville, Connecticut from August 19-20, 2017. The festival represents a significant part of the history of the Mohegan Tribe as it began in the 1860s as a fundraiser for the Mohegan Church and as a way for Mohegan descendants to revitalize the tradition of the Green Corn Festival, which celebrated the annual corn harvest. 

Among the delegates of the many Indigenous Nations represented at the festival, one of the United Confederation of Taíno People’s Liaison Officer’s in Connecticut, Angel Ortiz, participated in the Festival’s Grand Entry carrying in the Confederation’s flag. Other Taíno community members were also present participating in inter-tribal dances.

The annual event was hosted by the Mohegan Tribe and next year’s program is already scheduled for 18 & 19 August 2018.

UCTPTN 08.29.2017

UCTP Appoints Second Liaison Officer in Connecticut

UCTP President R. Borrero and
UCTP Liaison Officer Angel Ortiz

West Haven, Connecticut (UCTP Taino News) – On December 31, 2015, Angel Ortiz was appointed a Liaison Officer in the State of Connecticut by the President of the United Confederation of Taino People, Roberto “Múkaro Agüeibaná” Borrero following final approval by the UCTP’s Governing Board. Liaison Officers serve as focal points for the Confederation in their designated areas of responsibility. Angel Ortiz now serves in this distinguished post along with Hector Baracutey Gonzalez. 

Ortiz is a Borikén Taino born in the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He is a member of Taino iukaieke Guainia and has resided in Connecticut since 1985. Oritz has a Bachelors Degree in Counseling, and has worked with patients suffering from Mental Health illness. He currently serves in the United States Team Coast Guard / Department of Homeland Security as Seaman, working on Search and Rescue Operations for Sector Long Island Sound; and represents the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, as Academy Admissions Partner. Oritz currently lives in West Haven with his wife Carmela. 

UCTPTN 01.17.2016

Schaghticoke and Taíno Declare Unity

East Haven, CT (UCTP Taino News) – History was made at the Schaghticoke Indian Tribe’s Fall Gathering when a historic “Declaration of Unity” was signed with the United Confederation of Taino People on October 18, 2014. The treaty signing was part of the special event held at the landmark Old Stone Church in East Haven. The gathering also featured inspiring presentations by several distinguished members of the Schaghticoke Indian Tribe, as well as other honored guests including Doreen Bennett (Maori) of Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

Schaghticoke Sachem Robert Hawk Storm Bergin and Kasike Roberto Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero, the president of the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) were the main signatories of the treaty, with several community members acting as witnesses including Heriberto “Guaragua’niki” Martinez (Taíno), Angel Ortiz (Taíno), and Ed Wolf-Walker Conley (Schaghticoke). 

According to the treaty document, the Declaration of Unity was entered into with the “present and future generations” of both Peoples in mind. Both leaders remarked on the importance of this level of recognition and solidarity between Indigenous Peoples and are looking toward to possible joint programs in the near future. 

 UCTP Taino News 10.19.2014