THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION REVIEWS THE UNITED STATES AND QUESTIONS ITS RECORD OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AGAINST INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

IITC Delegation includes UCTP Representative, Tai Pelli

Geneva, Switzerland: From August 9 through 13, 2022 four delegates representing the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) participated in the long-awaited review of racial discrimination in the United States (US) by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) during its 107th Session in Geneva Switzerland.  CERD is the Treaty monitoring body for the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), to which the US is a State Party.

The CERD’s review will assess US. compliance with its legally binding obligations under the ICERD to eliminate racial discrimination.  This was the first review of the US since 2014 since the previous US administration chose to ignore the due date for submission of its report in November 2019. The current US report was submitted in June 2021, and representatives from 10 US government agencies participated in the review.

 

On August 9, the CERD provided the opportunity for Indigenous Peoples and Civil Society delegations to make statements about the US lack of compliance with the ICERD and to provide examples of unaddressed and unreported racial discrimination. Summer Blaze Aubrey, IITC Staff Attorney, summarized IITC’s written “Shadow Report” which addressed historic and ongoing violations of the Treaties concluded by the US with Indigenous Nations and the many forms of racial discrimination and human rights violations taking place as a result. There were also two informal breakfast meetings on August 10 and 11 in which Indigenous Peoples and Civil Society again had a chance to speak with Committee members regarding the US’s lack of compliance with the Convention.

 

The IITC also credentialed Chief Gary Harrison, Chickaloon Native Village Alaska, and IITC Consulting Attorney June Lorenzo, Laguna Pueblo and Diné. IITC Board member Tai Pelli also participated, credentialed under her organization, IITC affiliate the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP). The Western Shoshone Defense Project and the Changing Woman Initiative were among the other Indigenous delegations represented at the session.

 

The Committee carried out its formal review and questioning of the US on August 11 and 12. Mr. Mehrdad Payandeh, CERD member from Germany, focused on Indigenous issues for the review.  He questioned the US about key issues that had been raised by the Indigenous Peoples delegations, including:

• The negative impacts of colonialism on the enjoyment of human rights, highlighting that “human rights violations of Indigenous Peoples are a persistent legacy of colonialism.”
• The concrete implementation of the January 2021 Presidential memorandum on “Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships,” including efforts to give effect to Tribal Treaties.
• The US implementation of dialogues with Indigenous Peoples and traditional and Tribal leaders including Indigenous Peoples of insular territories, such as for example, the Taíno, as well as other unrecognized Indigenous Peoples.
• The failure of the US to implement CERD General Comment 23 regarding the full and non-restrictive implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent and the significant and direct impacts on Indigenous Peoples rights and way of life.
• The question of free, prior and informed consent and rights of Indigenous Peoples in regard to their land, territories, sacred sites, and way of life, including the adverse effects of the activities of the extractive industries including extraction of transition minerals, infrastructure projects, and the construction of border fences and walls.
• US response to early warning and urgent action procedures submitted by the Lipan Apache, Native Hawaiian, Gwich’in, Anishinaabe, and Western Shoshone Peoples.
• Concerns over jurisdictional complexities impacting cases of violence against Indigenous persons, especially in cases of sexual violence.
• Concerns over transnational corporations and private security companies and violations of human rights of Indigenous Peoples.

 

Based on his questions, it was clear to the IITC delegation that the Committee and Mr. Payandeh in particular had heard the concerns presented by Indigenous Peoples.  IITC looks forward to the CERD’s concluding observations regarding the US which are expected to be released before the end of the current session on August 30th.

 

Tai Pelli reflected on the power of the Indigenous Peoples delegations’ contributions in Geneva: “The strong and united collaboration of all the Indigenous delegations made a victory out of our participation.  The Committee members took into account all of the issues presented by Indigenous Peoples in their questions to the USA.”

 

The IITC’s  alternative report submitted to the CERD can be found here.  The United States’ periodic report can be found here.

Press Release courtesy of the IITC

Native America Calling: Indigenous resistance to gentrification in Puerto Rico

 Today on Native America Calling, 1PM ET, Shawn Spruce speaks with Roberto Múkaro Borrero (Taino), president of United Confederation of Taino People; Gualterio Alomar (Taino), president of the Organization for Culture of Hispanic Origins; and Tai Pelli (Taino), International relations and Human Rights Officer for the United Confederation of Taino People. https://www.indianz.com/News/2022/06/22/native-america-calling-indigenous-resistance-to-gentrification-in-puerto-rico/

Taíno Confederation calls for Investigation into Archeological Site Destruction

Luquillo, Borikén (Puerto Rico) – In a recent communication to the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture, the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) called for an investigation to determine the damage to an Indigenous archeological site in Luquillo. The UCTP was made aware of the issue after a video report made by advocate Eliezer Molina surfaced on social media. Molina’s video documents extensive damage to ancient pottery as a road was being made into the area's wetlands. 

In the communication to Nancy Santiago, Director, Archeological and Ethnohistory Program at the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture (ICP), the Confederation stated the site was “considered of significant cultural importance to Taíno Peoples and archeologically.” 

Upon initial inquiry, the UCTP has so far determined that the damage caused by heavy machinery is linked to developer Federico Stubbe. The construction is related to a proposed hotel tied to the Marriott company.

“The UCTP is calling on the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and the government of Puerto Rico to implement the applicable laws for the protection of cultural patrimony in Puerto Rico and immediately halt the construction,” said R. Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero, President, United Confederation of Taíno People. He continued, stating that “the Confederation is also calling for an in-depth cultural and environmental impact study, including an assessment of the damage, and of the legality of the construction permitting process.” 

The UCTP’s communication to the ICP also notes that what is occurring in Luquillo is a “recurring tragedy on the island as development projects are continuously fast-tracked” regardless of the damage to the archeological record or the concerns of Taíno Peoples. “UCTP representatives are in touch with and support local protests concerning the site. A group of concerned individuals have set up a camp near the area called Campamiento Cangrejo,” stated Tai Pelli, UCTP Human Rights and International Relations Officer. “They have also established a petition that the UCTP supports. 

Evidence shows that the archeological site is connected to wetlands that were protected for decades. The damage could be in violation of several laws including Puerto Rican Public Law 112, July 20th, 1988, which is supposed to protect archaeological sites. Additionally, the damage documented by Molina and others appears to violate U.S. Federal Laws including the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, Section 404, which is the primary vehicle for Federal regulation of activities that occur in wetlands.

For more information, contact oirrc@uctp.org

Pueblo Taíno ignorado por el Ministerio de Cultura de la República Dominicana sobre asunto de Repatriación del Semí de Algodón Taíno en Italia

Comunicado de Prensa para difusión inmediata - Pueblo Taíno ignorado por el Ministerio de Cultura de la República Dominicana sobre asunto de Repatriación del Semí de Algodón Taíno en Italia

27 de abril de 2021 - La Confederación Unida del Pueblo Taíno, junto a varias Organizaciones representativas del Pueblo Taíno interesadas en colaborar con el proceso de Repatriación Internacional del Sagrado Semí de Algodón ubicado en Italia nos dirigimos a la Ministra de Cultura de la República Dominicana, la Sra. Carmen Heredia Vda. de Guerrero en comunicación por escrito y enviada a través de correo electrónico el día 23 de febrero de este año.
Se esperó un tiempo razonable, y sin embargo no recibimos respuesta de nadie de dicha oficina ni a través del mensaje que se le había enviado por Twitter a la Sra. Ministra.
“...Afirmando además que todas las doctrinas, políticas y prácticas basadas en la superioridad de determinados pueblos o individuos o que la propugnan aduciendo razones de origen nacional o diferencias raciales, religiosas, étnicas o culturales son racistas, científicamente falsas, jurídicamente inválidas, moralmente condenables y socialmente injustas, Reafirmando que, en el ejercicio de sus derechos, los pueblos indígenas deben estar libres de toda forma de discriminación, Preocupada por el hecho de que los pueblos indígenas han sufrido injusticias históricas como resultado, entre otras cosas, de la colonización y de haber sido desposeídos de sus tierras, territorios y recursos, lo que les ha impedido ejercer, en particular, su derecho al desarrollo de conformidad con sus propias necesidades e intereses,
Reconociendo la urgente necesidad de respetar y promover los derechos intrínsecos de los pueblos indígenas, que derivan de sus estructuras políticas, económicas y sociales y de sus culturas, ….”
- Preámbulo de la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas
El 23 de marzo de 2021, considerándolo ya un tiempo más que razonable para contestarnos, volvimos a tratar de comunicarnos por teléfono y explicamos el motivo de nuestra comunicación y ahora con la preocupación de que nadie nos había respondido. Se nos indicó que el correo electrónico había sido pasado al Sr. Octavio Mejía, Director de Gabinete. El caballero aparentemente se encontraba de reunión y se le dejó recado para que se comunicara con nosotros. Se nos indicó que tan pronto saliera de su reunión se haría entrega del recado y que podíamos esperar su llamada esa tarde o al día siguiente. Nunca recibimos dicha llamada.
Hoy 27 de abril de 2021, volvimos a llamar y fuimos atendidos por recepción, expresamos nuevamente el asunto, la recepcionista tomó nuestros datos y razón de llamada para pasar el mensaje, y también nos hizo transferencia a la oficina de la Ministra. No hubo nadie que respondiera, ni oportunidad para dejar mensaje grabado.
Nuestra comunidad Taíno lleva ya más de dos meses tratando de establecer un diálogo con la Oficina de la Ministra de Cultura de la República Dominicana para tratar un tema de extrema importancia para nuestro Pueblo y de un proceso al cual tenemos derecho de acuerdo a la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas y la cual el mismo estado miembro, la República Dominicana, presentó junto a otros estados miembros ante la Asamblea General de la ONU, y endosó.
Recurrimos por esta razón a la prensa con el único deseo de traer enfoque a los derechos del Pueblo Indígena Taíno y para integrarnos en un esfuerzo colaborativo y como partícipes del proceso de repatriación internacional que incluya los mecanismos internacionales disponibles a los Pueblos Indígenas como lo pudiera ser el Mecanismo de Expertos sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas de las Naciones Unidas, entre otros.

Para mayor información favor de comunicarse con Tai Pelli, Oficial de Relaciones Internacionales y Derechos Humanos de la Confederación Unida del Pueblo Taíno,

taipelli21@gmail.com ó (321)444-1386.

Online Gathering of Ethical Women Includes a Taíno Leader

Tai Pelli, UCTP Officer

Madrid, Spain (UCTP Taíno News) - A successful virtual encounter of Ethical Women with Equity Souls, was organized by La Red Internacional de Mujeres y Hombres Girasol Asorbaex (International Network of Sunflower Asorbaex Women and Men) and El Foro de Mujeres de Iberoamérica (Ibero-American Women’s Forum) on August 9, 2020. More than 80 women and men virtually from across Latin America  and Spain including talented professionals, businesswomen, associate weaving women, social activists for peace, human rights, and the environment, as well as poets, writers, cultural managers, academics, teachers, investigators, and doctors, among others.

Tai Pelli, International Relations and Human Rights Officer of the United Confederation of Taíno People and Co-President/ Co-founder of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO), was one of the featured speakers. The 7-hour meeting, made possible by the Jitsi Platform, generated new perspectives on empowerment, equity, sorority, equality, and gender identity through the exchange of ancestral knowledge, experiences, ways of knowing, labor, talent, and wisdom. The Board of Directors of ASORBAEXexpressed how grateful they were to be able to count on this diverse network of dedicated individuals from around the world who are all working toward well-being, cohesion, social justice, and peace. 

The organizers are planning a series of virtual meetings running between September through October 2020. Dates to be announced. 

Emergencia Arqueológica en Río La Plata, Dorado Borikén (Puerto Rico)

Comunicado de Prensa para difusión Inmediata (13 de diciembre de 2019) - La Confederación Unida del Pueblo Taíno, conocida como UCTP, por sus siglas en inglés, envió hoy una carta dirigida a la Sra. Valerie Hauser, Directora de Asuntos Nativo-Americanos del Consejo Asesor sobre la Preservación Histórica (ACHP, por sus siglas en inglés), en Washington, D.C. y con copia a un sinnúmero de oficiales de agencias federales en E.E.U.U. y en Puerto Rico, miembros de la comunidad indígena, arqueólogos, entre otros, incluyendo al Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. 

Dicha carta hacía referencia a: la violación de Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas de Tribus que no son federalmente reconocidas y sobre diálogo y seguimiento entre la Sra. Hauser y Tai Pelli, Oficial de Relaciones Internacionales y Derechos Humanos de la UCTP, luego de que ésta presentara una intervención ante el Foro Permanente sobre las Cuestiones Indígenas de las Naciones Unidas, exponiendo la falta de cumplimiento de parte de Estados Unidos en la consulta y la implementación de la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas, y presentado prueba de dicho incumplimiento.

Aunque las agencias federales declaran que no necesitan hacer consulta “porque en Puerto Rico no hay Tribus Federalmente reconocidas”, parece que pocos, aparte de el mismo Pueblo Indígena, conocen sobre nuestros derechos. La Sra. Hauser indicó que sí existen instrucciones de cómo gestionar consulta con tribus que no son federalmente reconocidas. Poco después, la oficina de Programas de Agencias Federales envió una carta con instrucciones claras a la agencia pertinente federal en Puerto Rico, de cómo gestionar la consulta con la UCTP, de acuerdo a los protocolos existentes en las agencias federales para la Consulta con tribus que no son federalmente reconocidas. Dicha agencia jamás se comunicó con la UCTP.

Surge otro hallazgo cuyas condiciones aparentan ser, de acuerdo a conocedores en la materia, como uno peor que Jácanas en Ponce hace años atrás.

Como parte de 3 lugares donde la SHPO ha otorgado permisología para la canalización de ríos, y cuyos contratos alegadamente serían otorgados a la misma compañía, comienza el proceso en el primer sector, Río La Plata en Dorado, PR este pasado septiembre 2019. Poco después surge que en el lugar hay un yacimiento arqueológico significativo en tamaño, que incluye entierros de seres humanos, vasijas, etc. El Cuerpo de Ingenieros contrata a la compañía SEARCH y ésta se encarga de la excavación.

Supimos que se había encontrado restos humanos pertenecientes a 8-10 personas. No fue sino hasta que recibimos fotos de vecinos del área recientemente, que supimos la magnitud del caso y cuestionamos la manera en que se está trabajando el área; hay pedazos de vasijas rotos regados por el lar, máquina digger en el área de yacimiento y 7 restos humanos sufriendo la vergüenza de lo que han sufrido miles de Borikuas por los huracanes: ¡que nuestros ancestros también estén tapados con toldos azules sucios dados a los elementos! Desconocemos si éstos son adicionales a los que se habían mencionado y encontrado inicialmente.

Hemos sabido que la arqueóloga que había sido contactada para que su laboratorio hiciera los estudios geo-arqueológicos del yacimiento, por su gran preocupación ética por la manera en que se estaba llevando a cabo esta operación, renunció al proyecto efectivo de inmediato ayer 12 de diciembre de 2019, en la tarde.

La UCTP y miembros de la comunidad indígena, le han pedido a la más alta oficina a nivel federal a que le pongan un alto a esa permisología, y que se investigue y se corrija esta situación lo antes posible, amparándose en sus derechos, como han sido expresados en la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas.

Por este medio hacemos un llamado a la comunidad indígena caribeña así como la Internacional y a nuestros simpatizantes no-indígenas a que expresen y apoyen nuestro Pueblo Indígena y finalmente pongamos fin a este abuso que se continúa cometiendo contra el patrimonio indígena, nuestros yacimientos arqueológicos, y nuestros sitios sagrados, ahora en Borikén y a través del mundo.

Para mayor información, favor de comunicarse con Tai Pelli, Oficial de Relaciones Internacionales y Derechos Humanos, Confederación Unida del Pueblo Taíno (United Confederation of Taíno People) a: taipelli21@gmail.com.

UCTP Representative to Speak at Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly 2019

Philadelphia, PA (UCTP Taíno News) - Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly 2019 (IPD Philly) is a family-friendly, Indigenous art and culture celebration that will take place from 11:00AM – 5:00PM on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Penn Treaty Park (1301 N. Beach St.). The Indigenous resistance of the Taíno people began on October 12, 1492, and Tai Pelli, a representative of the United Confederation of Taíno People will be one of IPD Philly's featured speakers. 

According to the organizers, IPD Philly 2019 will be an "acknowledgment of 527 years of the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples." IDP Philly 2019 seeks to create "an important space for increasing awareness and encouraging dialogue about the Indigenous people of this land and the collective history that we all share as Americans.” 

The IPD Philly 2019 celebration also honors the Lenni-Lenape of today, whose traditional homelands are where Philadelphia now stands and bring community together for a celebration of song, dance, beautiful art, and traditional foods. What is now Penn Treaty Park is a significant place where the Great Elm Tree of Shackamaxon once stood. It is where many sachems of the Lenni-Lenape and other tribes from the Lenapehoking territory would meet for council.

Additionally, the celebration will present the work of local Indigenous artists and offer interactive programs, which will encourage guests to engage with educators to learn about Indigenous traditions and culture. 

IPD Philly has a "pay-what-you- wish/suggested donation" of $10 adults and $5 for children 12 years+ and elders. Tickets are available online at https://ipdphilly2019tickets.eventbrite.com or at the door. 

UCTPTN 10/04/2019

UCTP Representative will participate in Indigenous Political Engagement Summit

Tai Pelli, United Confederation of Taíno People

Des Moines, Iowa (UCTP Taíno News) – Seeding Sovereignty, an Indigenous womxn-led collective, in collaboration with the National Network Assembly, has curated the first Indigenous Political Engagement Summit taking place from August 22-25, 2019. The summit, which will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, is being organized for indigenous leaders to learn, network, and strategize around political engagement on the own Nations and in the U.S. Congress. The summit will bring together 35 innovative indigenous leaders including UCTP representative Tai Pelli.

The Indigenous Political Engagement Summit takes place in tandem with the National Network Assembly where over 200 grassroots leaders and organizers from across the country will be present to focus on deeping relationships and broadening skills. Tai Pelli is a Borikén Taíno, a member of the Guainía Taíno Tribe, and co-founder of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization. Her presentation will focus on using the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as other United Nations mechanisms accessible to Indigenous Peoples.

The United Confederation of Taíno People is an indigenous representative institution established in 1998 to protect, defend, and preserve the heritage, spiritual traditions, and human rights of Taíno Peoples.

 UCTPTN 08/20/2019 

Taíno Representative to Participate on International Round Table on International Indigenous Day

UCTP Taino News – Representing both the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) and the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO), Tai Pellicier has been invited, as part of the activities of the United Nations Indigenous Peoples Day, to participate via Skype in an event that will focus on the Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The invitation was extended by members of the indigenous Crimean Tatar community in Ukraine. The event will be attended by several international experts on the rights of indigenous peoples and other indigenous peoples’ representatives. Pellicier will be the sole indigenous person from the western hemisphere to participate in the round table program taking place on August 9, 2019. The UN International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is celebrated around the world. It was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994, marking the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, in 1982.

 UCTPTN 08/09/2019

UCTP Liaison Addresses Indigenous Peoples Corn Conference in Mexico

UCTP Liaison Officier Tai Pellicier speaking at an international conference

Tlaxcala, México (UCTP Taíno News) - The International Indian Treaty Council held its 4th International Corn Conference in Vicente Guerrero, Tlaxcala México from March 7-8, 2019. Indigenous Peoples from throughout the hemisphere and the Pacific attended the conference whose theme was “By our ancestral rights, we protect and guarantee our Food Sovereignty and that of our future generations.” The United Confederation of Taíno People was represented at the conference by Tai Pellicier, a UCTP Liaison Officer. 

Taking place on day one of the conference, Tai’s presentation was entitled “Transgénicos, una amenaza que va más allá que semillas.” It focused on Borikén (Puerto Rico), as an example, and touch up colonialism; the U.S. invasion; land grabbing; contamination of soil, air, and water, environmental racism; subsidies given to corporations not provided to local people; and free corporate access to water.

Panel topics at the conference included the History and Importance of Corn for Indigenous Peoples; Threats to milpa systems by genetically modified seeds, pesticides, loss of fertility of the land, dispossession, false solutions and the green economy; Youth and Food Sovereignty; International Work on Food Sovereignty; Practical uses for corn; and Strategies, Projects and Solutions. A conference declaration was also developed and adopted.

UCTP Taíno News 03.8.2019

UCTP Representative addresses gathering on Alcatraz Island

UCTP representative Tai Pelli addresses the crowd gathered on Alcatraz Island
(Photo courtesy of Native News Online)

Alcatraz Island  (UCTP Taíno News) - Continuing an over 30-year tradition,  International Indian Treaty Council organized the 2017 "Indigenous Peoples’ Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island" on Thursday, November 23, 2017. The event, which was streamed around the world, was attended by close to 5000 people. Cultural presentations and special guest speakers continued throughout the morning commemoration. In an historic first for the event, Tai Pelli, representing the United Confederation of Taíno People addressed the crowd in the English, Spanish, and Taíno languages. A member of the Guainia Taíno Tribe, Pelli provided updates on the current situation in Borikén (Puerto Rico) and the reality people on the island face as a colony of the United States. Although not scheduled to appear, former San Francisco 49rs quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, also addressed the crowd in solidarity and was honored by elders for his work. 

UCTP Taino News 11/25/2017

Say No to Racism in Puerto Rico!

We the undersigned denounce racism against Indigenous Taino People, as well as black communities and afro-descendants in Puerto Rico. 

Recently, the University of Puerto Rico’s School of Law filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights citing the violation of human rights in Puerto Rico.A news article entitled "Human Rights in Puerto Rico; Are they making racism invisible?" published on March 12th at “El Post Antillano”, responded to the complaint critiquing the absence of the subject of Racism against Black communities, afro-descendants, and Indigenous Peoples in Puerto Rico.

Providing an example of current climate of racism against Indigenous Peoples in Puerto Rico,a group of radical pro-Spain Puerto Ricans, “Autonomía para Puerto Rico”, led by its president, Iván Arrache, recently launched a campaign seeking to remove references to the Indigenous Taino Peoples from school books used on the Island. The pro-Spain group also seeks to present a more "positive" image of Spanish Conquistadors in school curriculum. This group’s core political position is that Puerto Rico should be re-annexed to Spain and Puerto Ricans should again be subjects of the Spanish Crown. They claim thousands of followers on the island including former political figures and members of the Puerto Rican Board of Education.

In response to these racists positions against Indigenous Peoples and the People of Puerto Rico, a respected community member and representative of the United Confederation of Taino People, Tai Pellicier (Tai Pelli) posted a professional, well-documented response to these statements; she was subsequently slandered by members of the racist group in question; her personal Face Book page was hacked and rendered inaccessible. The President of the radical group, Ivan Arrache, has claimed responsibility for this cyber-attack taking place during Women’s History Month, March 2015.

The United Confederation of Taino People is calling on all people of good conscience to join us in expressing solidarity for our sister Tai Pellicier (Tai Pelli) and to denounce the racist attempt to remove the Taino from school text books and the intent to present the conquistador in a more "positive manner". In addition, we condemn violations against the basic human right of self-determination and all forms of racism, especially against those who proudly affirm indigenous Taino heritage, as well as institutionalized racism against Black communities and Afro-Descendants in Puerto Rico.

Sign Petition: Say No to Racism in Puerto Rico

Treaty Council Commemorated 40th Anniversary in Oklahoma

UCTP President R. Mukaro Borrero; Alabama Quassarte Ceremonial Ground Mekko Bobby Yargee; UCTP Liaison Officer Tai Pellicier; and Bonnie Deere attend the historic 2014 IIITC Conference 

Muscogee Nation Territory, Oklahoma (UCTP Taino News) - The 40^th anniversary  conference of the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) took place in Muscogee (Creek) Territory on September 10-12 at a newly constructed roundhouse dedicated to the late, revered Muscogee spiritual leader and activist Phillip Deere. The IITC conference was entitled “40 Years Defending the Rights and Recognition of Indigenous Peoples.”  

The IITC conference addressed the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Pacific such as racism, food sovereignty, environmental health, climate change and reproductive health, among others. Campsites and meals were provided to the local and international participants. Two buffalos were donated from the Inter-tribal Bison Cooperative one from South Dakota and one from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation, to feed attendees at the conference.

Various dynamic issues panels were convened and conference participants adopted a number of resolutions for IITC work focus for the next year and beyond. Three organizations requested and were approved as IITC affiliates by the conference general assembly; among them was the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO).

The International Indian Treaty Council is an organization of Indigenous Peoples from North, Central, South America, the Caribbean, the Arctic, and the Pacific working for the Sovereignty and Self-Determination of Indigenous Peoples and the recognition and protection of Indigenous Rights, Treaties, Traditional Cultures and Sacred Lands. Since 1977, the IITC has been recognized by the United Nations as a category II Non-governmental Organization (NGO) with Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council, making it the first indigenous NGO to gain such status.

UCTPTN 09.13.2014

Nuestras Raices Tainas II: Introducción al Lenguaje Taíno por Tai Pelli Hosted by Arte Borikua Galeria

Tambien en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/171984786337076/

A matter of choice; Columbus Day vs. Native Resistance Day or Indigenous Day of Remembrance

On October 12^th, people throughout this side of the World may celebrate one of the above. It is a matter of choice, since those who hold power and continue to oppress, are the ones who have monopolized the history taught in our schools.

The timing of the Federal Government shutdown is exemplary of the many faces of Columbus. Think about it, the majority of people in the United States disagree with the shutdown, yet it seems that the people have no say! The positive element of this, is that now it is out in the open; how much disregard is given and/or held for the wants of “the people” vs. the interests of a few, who manage and manipulate the system affecting directly or indirectly the lives of millions of people. This shall show you who’s who and what they truly stand for!

When I was a young teenager in Borikén (Puerto Rico), The Real Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española), an organization that determines which words one can use and consider “valid and proper” in the Spanish language, decided to create the word “aparcar” (to park), when the anglicism “parkear” was used to such an extent that everyone knew what it referred to (as opposed to using the word “estacionar”).

I make the correlation, because I think that if we continue calling October 12^th, Native Resistance Day or Indigenous Day of Remembrance, eventually calling it “Columbus Day” will become obsolete, and hopefully it will be changed officially.

This Federal Holiday was implemented 76 years ago , by the efforts of Italian immigrants. They had started celebrating it earlier in the state of Colorado.

In my opinion, to celebrate Columbus is to celebrate Greed, Abuse (of all types), Rape (indistinctively, meaning women, men, and children), Slavery, Land grabbing, Exploitation, and injustice, just to name a few.

We have been subjected to a bunch of lies and romanticized stories at school and our children continue to be taught the same.

One cannot say, that is all for Justice while celebrating INJUSTICE!

On this October 12^th, you have a choice, and that includes the choice of not choosing.

What will it be for you? Your choice defines you!

Author: Tai Pelli

Source: http://taipelli.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-matter-of-choice-columbus-day-vs.html