Taíno join opposition to Financial Control Board for Borikén (Puerto Rico)

Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana and Roberto Mukaro Borrero sound the guamo 
(conch shells) to open the demonstration in New York opposing the 
U.S. imposed Financial Oversight and Management Board for Borikén 
(Puerto Rico). Photo courtesy of Mario Rubén Carrión

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - On Friday, September 30, a diverse group of human rights defenders rallied in New York to voice their opposition to the first formal meeting the newly created and U.S. imposed Financial Oversight and Management Board for Borikén (Puerto Rico). The rally was held outside the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York, home to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in NY. The rally opened with an indigenous Taíno invocation to the 4 directions and followed with about 3 hours of passionate calls to abolish the board and end colonialism for Puerto Rico. 

The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico was created by the Obama administration’s Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act, or Promesa as a way to deal with Puerto Rico’s economic crisis, which includes a debt of over 70 Billion dollars. Many activists and analysts note that it is the colonial condition of Puerto Rico that has created the crisis and the U.S. should be accountable for the debt. This control board named Jose Carrión III as chairman, clearing the way to officially take over financial decision-making from Puerto Rico’s government. A Republican, Carrión was recommended by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). He also presides over the Puerto Rico subsidiary of HUB International, a global insurance brokerage company. His appointment is controversial as he is the brother-in-law of Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s non-voting member in Congress. 

At the demonstration, Roberto Múkaro Borrero stated the “imposition of this financial control board by the United States violates Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination.” Borrero continued stating that “Promesa and along with the continuance of the Jones Act are clear proof of the island’s colonial status.” Borrero is a community leader representing the Guainia Taíno Tribe and is the current President of the United Confederation of Taíno People. Borrero continued stating that a specific area of concern with the legislation is that “it gives the board the power to expedite approvals of energy and other projects they deem critical, which could have severe consequences to the island’s environment if the projects are not evaluated properly.” 

Puerto Rico’s central government, three retirement systems (teachers, judicial and employees), university (UPR) and all its public corporations, including the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority and Electric Power Authority, are now under the immediate control of the new entity. The board also has oversight over the restructuring negotiations with creditors. The governor of Puerto Rico holds a non-voting position on the board, In addition, the board and its employees are exempt from liability claims. 

There is no information as to when the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico will meet next. 

UCTPTN 09.30.2016

Taino Identity Beyond Columbus

Register for the event on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/174373649431795/

Taíno Flag Presented to National Museum of the American Indian

José Barreiro accepts Taino Confederation flag on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution

Washington D.C. (UCTP Taino News) - On Friday, July 13 2012, the flag of the United Confederation of Taíno People was formally presented to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. The flag will now become part of the Museum’s permanent collection and is scheduled to be displayed annually along with the flags of other Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere during the observance of Native American Heritage month. The Taíno flag was presented to José Barreiro, the Museum’s Assistant Director for Research by Confederation President Roberto Mukaro Borrero. The historic flag presentation opened a public symposium entitled “Beyond Extinction: Updates from the Field”, a program that culminated a week long workshop session focusing on indigenous Taíno related themes.

UCTPTN 07.08.2012

Indigenous filmmaking to be celebrated on International Day

United Nations (UCTP Taino News) - The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People will be commemorated at United Nations Headquarters and around the world on Monday, 9 August 2010. The observance will focus on indigenous filmmaking, celebrating the contributions of indigenous filmmakers to promoting greater understanding of their communities, cultures and history and the challenges they face today.

In his message for the Day, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon states the work of indigenous filmmakers “connects us to belief systems and philosophies; it captures both the daily life and the spirit of indigenous communities.”

The UN Headquarters event is organized by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and is presented in collaboration with the NGO Committee on the UN International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Roberto Mukaro Agueibana Borrero (Taíno), will serve as Master of Ceremonies and opening remarks by the Secretary-General and other UN and indigenous representatives will precede the screening of four short films by indigenous filmmakers.

Following the film screenings, a discussion with three indigenous filmmakers - Mr. Per-Josef Idivuoma (Sámi), Mr. Alex Zacarias (Taíno), and Mr. Andrew Okpeaha Maclean (Inupiaq) - will be moderated by Reaghan Tarbell (Mohawk), from the National Museum of the American Indian.

UCTPTN 08.04.2010

Smithsonian Bilingual Website Focuses on Caribbean Indigenous People

UCTP Taino News - The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian has launched a revised bilingual website of the exhibition The New Old World:Antilles/El Nuevo Viejo Mundo: Las Antillas with new images, video and additional materials. The revised website is located at the same url as the previous version. "The New Old World" exhibition is a documentation of the contemporary lives of Taino and Carib indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian is an institution of living cultures dedicated to the life, languages, literature, history and arts of the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. The museum includes the recently opened National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall; the George Gustav Heye Center, a permanent museum in lower Manhattan; and the Cultural Resources Center, a research and collections facility in Suitland, Md.

Photo: NMAI in Washington D.C.

UCTPTN 06.04.2008

Taíno People Stand Proud Among Thousands at Museum Opening

WASHINGTON D.C. (UCTP Taino News) – Taíno and other Caribbean Indigenous Peoples were among the thousands of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday September 21st.

The United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) was represented at this historic event by a delegation of representatives and allies who took part in the Smithsonian’s Native Nations Procession. This awesome symbol of indigenous unity and pride featured about 25,000 of our relatives from throughout the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific Islands.

UCTP Liaison Officers for the State of Washington (from left to right) Evelyn Garcia, Joe Garcia and Adria Garcia in Washington D.C. Members of the UCTP delegation expressed their pride and joy with their tribal relatives who marched together with them in solidarity as Caribbean Indigenous Peoples.

Roger Atihuibancex Hernandez, Chief Editor of The Voice of the Taino People stated “It was an honor to participate with such a large number UCTP reps.

Hundreds of UCTP news journals (The Voice of the Taino People) were distributed to eager persons looking to connect with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. UCTP representatives and other family members were interviewed by the press and photographed time and time again as audiences applauded and cheered the Taíno, Carib and Arawak delegation taking part in the Procession.

The new National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C., is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building.

The UCTP and the Native Nations Procession

Ta'kahi Guaitiao (Greetings Relatives):

On behalf of the UCTP, it is my hope that at the time you receive this message, you are all in good health and spirit. Below you will find a weblink to sign up for the Indigenous Peoples Procession at the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) on Tuesday, September 21st, 2004. As per the request of our elders, I have been asked to appeal to all Taino, Carib and Arawak Tribes, groups, organizations etc. to march together in this historic procession as unified Indigenous Caribbean Peoples and Nations. This
is an excellent opportunity to present our community to other Indigenous Peoples from throughout the hemishere in a good way.

Please sign up via the internet link below and consider marching with the United Confederation of Taino People's contingent. You are more than welcome to bring your own group's banners, flags etc. We can coordinate a meeting place before the procession via email as we already have contacts in the Washington D.C. area.

The link to sign up can be found at:

http://160.111.252.76/cma/English/registrationForm.jsp

This is the URL to the NMAI Website:

http://www.AmericanIndian.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=dc&second=grand&third=proce\ssion

Below this message, you will find more information on the procession itself. Please let us know by email at uctp_ny@yahoo.com once you have registered so we know how many persons will be participating with us at this historic event.

In closing my relatives, let us use this opportunity to "break Casabi bread" together in the spirit of our ancestors.

Oma'bahari (With Respect),
Roberto Mukaro Borrero,
President, UCTP
UCTP Office of International Relations

and Regional Coordination

http://www.uctp.org/

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Native Nations Procession FAQs

PROCESSION

What is the Native Nations Procession?
The Native Nations Procession is a highly symbolic walk of indigenous cultural expression that will celebrate the grand opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. The Procession will formally kick-off the six-day festival on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Where and when is the Procession scheduled?
The Procession "staging area" will be located on the National Mall (grassy area) at 14th Street, between Madison and Jefferson Drives. The Procession begins at approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2004. The event will take place rain or shine, so please plan accordingly.

What is the Procession route?
The Procession will follow a route along the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol. Approximately one mile in length, the route will conclude at the site of the NMAI Opening Ceremony.

REGISTRATION

How do I register?
You may register online at www.AmericanIndian.si.edu/procession. All participants must register by May 31, 2004. Due to heightened security in the nation's capital and the large number of guests anticipated for the NMAI Opening Ceremony, only registered participants will be allowed in the Procession.

Who can register for the Procession?
All participants must register in one of the following three categories: Native Nation, Organization, or Independent. Native Nations will lead the procession in alphabetical order, followed by Tribal Organizations in alphabetical order, concluding with Independent participants. Independents are non-Native individuals and organizations who would like to show their support for the museum during the grand opening celebration.

Can I register my family or organization together on one form?
No. A separate registration form is required for each participant. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Is there a fee to register?
No. Registration is free and may be completed online, using the online Registration Form, by mail, or by fax.

Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
Yes. The NMAI will provide a written confirmation to each participant by mail within 2-4 weeks of receiving the registration form. In August 2004, registrants will receive more detailed information confirming the schedule of events, public transportation options, and maps of the
Washington area. PLEASE NOTE: PROCESSION REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE
A TIMED ENTRY PASS TO VISIT THE MUSEUM. TO SECURE AND GUARANTEE YOUR
PASS, PLEASE VISIT www.AmericanIndian.si.edu/tickets.cfm, or CALL 866-400-6624.

Where do I send completed registration forms?
You may mail registration forms to: National Museum of the American Indian, Attn: Procession, P.O. Box 23473, Washington, DC 20026-3473. You may also submit or download forms online at: www.AmericanIndian.si.edu/procession. Faxed forms may be sent to: 301-238-3200, Attention: Procession.

PROTOCOLS

Is traditional dress required?
While we encourage you to wear your traditional clothing, you are welcome to participate in the manner you are most comfortable.

How will each Native Nation be assembled for the Procession?
We are encouraging each Nation to determine for itself how it would like to be represented during the Procession. We understand that some tribal communities will be bringing their honor guards, tribal dignitaries, as well as tribal members. This might also include their tribal banners and/or flags. Please note that the museum is unable to provide flag stands or storage areas, so please plan accordingly.

Are animals permitted in the Procession?
Due to the large crowds expected for the Opening Ceremony, no animals of any kind will be permitted in the Procession. This precaution is for your safety as well as the safety of others participating in this historic event.

Are there other restrictions?
Firearms, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. These restrictions will be strictly enforced by Smithsonian Security, Metro Transit Police, U.S. Park Police, and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department..

LOCAL PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

Where can I park my car, R.V., or chartered bus?
Street parking during the opening week is very limited and presents many challenges. Road closures and barricades will limit public access to the National Mall, especially on September 21st. As a convenient alternative we are encouraging those who are staying in close proximity to the Mall to consider public transportation, such as taxi or the Metro rail and bus systems. In addition, we will offer off-site satellite parking and shuttle service from RFK Stadium to the National Mall to accommodate our Procession participants on September 21st only. More detailed information will be added as it becomes available.

What is the closest Metro station?
The "Smithsonian" station is the closest Metro stop to the National Mall and the staging area for the Procession. Materials mailed to each registrant in August 2004 will provide additional information to assist you in navigating the mass transit system and the Washington, D.C.,
area.

How do I get to the Procession staging area?
A shuttle service will be provided to and from RFK Stadium and the National Mall on September 21st only for those who wish to park off-sight. For those arriving by public transportation we recommend that you arrive nearest our staging area, which is located on the 14th Street end of the National Mall (the area closest to the Washington Monument).

Because of the weekday rush-hour traffic, we recommend that you reserve enough time to arrive and geographically orient yourself at the staging area.

ACCOMMODATIONS, TOURISM & TRAVEL

Where can I stay and what else can I do during my visit to Washington,
D.C.?
September is a peak convention and tourism month; therefore we are encouraging out-of-town guests to secure accommodations as soon as possible. For local travel, tourism, and accommodations, we recommend that you contact the Washington D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation at 800-422-8644 x2004 or 202-789-7000 or visit www.Washington.org.

Will I be able to view the museum's collection during my visit?
Yes, NMAI will host an Open House at the Cultural Resources Center (CRC), located in Suitland, Maryland. The CRC is a state-of-the art conservation and research facility housing the museum's collection. There will be a shuttle service provided from the museum to the CRC
during the grand opening week, with the exception of September 21st. For more information, please contact Geoffrey Cavanagh at 301-238-6624 x6215.

Which airport should I fly into?
There are three airports that serve the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area:

* Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA); www.mwaa.com
Closest airport to the District of Columbia
Travelers Aid: 703-417-3974
* Dulles International Airport (IAD); www.mwaa.com
Located in Northern Virginia, approx. 35-45 min. from D.C.
Travelers Aid: 703-572-8296
* Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI); www.bwiairport.com
Located approx. 40-50 min. from D.C. via shuttle/cab or rail
Airport Information: 800-435-9294

What about travel by rail?
Amtrak is a convenient form of travel to the Washington, D.C., area, including southern Maryland and Northern Virginia. You may contact them directly at www.amtrak.com or 800-USA-RAIL.


ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY

What can you tell me about getting around in D.C. for those with limited mobility? Washington, D.C., is one of the most accessible cities in the nation for persons with disabilities. When booking your hotel, local travel arrangements, and other tourism needs please be sure to communicate any special needs that you may have. For more detailed information or to order a copy of The Washington, D.C. Access Guide, please contact DisabilityGuide.org at 301-528-8664 or visit
www.disabilityguide.org. By mail they can be reached at Access Information, Inc., dba DisabilityGuide.org, 21618 Slidell Rd, Boyds, MD 20841.

Will there be wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other medical devices
available on-sight?

Due to the large numbers of people with limited mobility, we cannot guarantee any specific provisions for the Procession. As an alternative, we will have tour mobiles on-sight and available to escort Procession participants before and during the Procession route to the Opening Ceremony site as the need arises. If you would like to rent any medical equipment during your stay, please contact Disability Guide.org at 301-528-8664 or visit www.disabilityguide.org. By mail they can be reached at Access Information, Inc., dba DisabilityGuide.org, 21618
Slidell Rd, Boyds, MD 20841.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Does the museum provide any grants or scholarship funds to help off-set
my travel costs?

No, unfortunately, NMAI does not have the financial resources to provide funding to cover or off-set travel costs.

Will there be a powwow?
No, however, the National Congress of the American Indian (NCAI), in collaboration with the American Indian Society of Washington, D.C, will host a Social Dance at 1 p.m. on the National Mall as part of the First Americans Festival. For more detailed information, please visit the
NCAI website at http://www.ncai.org/.

CONTACT US

Who may I contact if I have further questions regarding the Native
Nations Procession?

You may contact NMAI toll-free at 877-830-3224 or 301-238-3023. You may also inquire via email at: Procession@nmai.si.edu. You may also contact the Smithsonian's Visitor Information Associate Reception's Center (VIARC) at 202-633-1000 (TTY: 202-357-1729).