15% of Dominicans have Taíno DNA

A monument to the Taino Kasike (Chieftain) Guarokuia or Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic. Guarokuia led a successful rebellion against the Spanish forces resulting in the first treaty between Indigenous Peoples and colonizers in the western hemisphere.

Santo Domingo (UCTP Taíno News) – A recently concluded DNA study indicates that 15% of Dominicans have indigenous Taíno genes not found anywhere else. The research which began in 2006 also determined that another 15% conserve Euro-Asian genetic characteristics, whereas 70% of the population of the Dominican Republic has mitochondrial DNA of African origin.

The research team leader Dr. Juan Carlos Martinez-Cruzado noted that “The study demonstrates that indigenous mitochondrial DNA exists in Dominican society today, that DNA is unique.” Martinez-Cruzado is the head of the Biology Department of Puerto Rico University in Mayaguez and he is well-known for conducting similar studies in Borikén (Puerto Rico).

Puerto Ricans show an approximate 61% contribution of Taíno mitochondrial DNA. Comparisons between the two countries however must take into consideration the difference in population sizes.

Jorge Estevez, a Taíno from Kiskeia (Dominican Republic) considers the study impressive considering that “we are not supposed to have any Native descent.” Estevez is on staff at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York.

The study is entitled “Continental origins of the first populations of the Caribbean islands and the migratory movements which formed them. DNA in Dominican Republic.”

UCTPTN 06.24.2010

Taino Identity Survey

Dear Peoples of the Taino Nation,

This letter is in regards to a Taino Identity Survey - and I would like your involvement. I am a Master's Student at the University of Leiden and also of Puerto Rican, and possibly Taino descent. My thesis is regarding Taino identity.

I chose this topic because as I was reading through much of the literature surrounding the Taino "Revival" (which is funny because I thought Taino peoples were always here)- none of the Academic journals or books etc, have interviewed Taino peoples themselves. Therefore, I have decided for my thesis work that I would like to include all of you.

If you could please go to this site: Taino Identity Survey in order to participate I would really appreciate it. The questionnaire takes about 7 minutes to complete. It is in open question format and the last box allows you to express any open opinions that you may have about being Taino, totally without restrictions.

These survey responses will be included in full, in my thesis Chapter 6. You will remain anonymous, unless you contact me that you would like to be referred to. If you would like to participate in this project, and lend more voice to the Taino cause, I would really appreciate it. Please send this survey to any other people that also identify themselves as being Taino.

Here is the link to the Taino Identity Survey, just in case you need to copy and paste it into your browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dROCKQJKrg_2fRMRnLaJZxug_3d_3d

Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Thank you,
Marie Carmen Ortiz
m.c.trankovsky@leidenuniv.nl
mtrankov@yahoo.com

More Evidence of Indigenous Ancestry in Puerto Rico...

Summary: Discovery of the Boricua Eve

"Six out of 10 Puertoricans have American Indian ancestors according to a recent study."

The simple vision of the tri-racial formula defining Puerto Ricans as a mixture of African, Spaniard and Taino could change due to a major scientific discovery involving 19 maternal indigenous lineages that could be defined as the Eve's of modern day Boriken (Puerto Rico).

This discovery is a new twist taken from a scientific investigation in 2003, in that it suggest that six out of 10 Puertoricans have a women ancestor of direct American Indian or of indigenous to American origina and that "indigenous women" have had a greater influence on Puerto Rican culture than previously admitted by academics.

According to investigative research done by genetic scientist specialising in molecular evolution, Juan Carlos Martinez cruzado and archeologist and anthropologist Juan Jose Ortiz Aguilu, the indigenous lineage is most common to the Puertorican of today than that of those with African lineage or Spaniard (European) descendance.

Review full article at: http://www.endi.com/XStatic/endi/template/nota.aspx?n=156387

PUERTO RICO: Capitalism threatens ancient Taino burial ground

An ancient burial site containing the remains of Taino people at Calle Agueybana in the municipality of Caguas is under threat of development by large economic interests. The Taino community considers this “capitalist development” an insult to their cultural heritage and is urging Puerto Ricans and international supporters to voice their outrage at the destruction of the site and the disturbance of the souls of their ancestors.

Source: Cultural Survival,
January 24, 2004 World Indigenous News