Taíno Confederation Launches Update Page on Hurricane Relief

Borikén/Puerto Rico (UCTP Taíno News) – In support of hurricane relief efforts around the Caribbean, The United Confederation of Taíno People recently launched a dedicated webpage to post up-to-date information concerning Borikén (Puerto Rico) and other Caribbean Islands. The page will be updated regularly and compliments similar efforts on the UCTP’s social media network. The “Hurakan Maria Updates” page can be accessed at http://bit.ly/2wBNPP5. The Confederation is also considering a campaign for financial donations that would assist specific families who will need assistance beyond what local and federal programs can provide. 

UCTPTN 09.25.2017

Hurakan Maria Devastates Borikén and other Caribbean Islands

Borikén/Puerto Rico (UCTP Taíno News) — After devastating others islands in the region such as Dominica, Guadeloupe, the U.S. Virgin Islands and others, Hurakan Maria battered Borikén for hours before it spun out into the Atlantic Ocean on its way to the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. Early reports affirm that the Category 4 storm knocked out all power, caused dangerous flooding, toppled cellphone towers and tore the roofs off homes and businesses throughout the island. This was the strongest hurricane to hit Borikén in almost a century. Maria struck just days after the region was hit by Hurricane Irma. 

UCTPTN 09/20/2017 

Taíno Welcome Indigenous Relatives from Guyana

Taíno Community members Little Wolf and Kasike Múkaro Borrero welcome the Wapishana Cultural group Karao while the Hon. Sydney Allicock, Vice President of Guyana looks on

Brooklyn , NY (UCTP Taíno News) - The Karao Cultural Group is visiting New York from the South Rupununi, Guyana to take part in Guyana Folk Fest 2017. The group, made up of indigenous Wapishana tribal members, has captivated audiences with their cultural presentations since their arrival to the U.S. On Thursday, August 31st, the Karao Group gave a presentation at the "Desrey Fox Memorial Lecture" held in Brooklyn, NY and organized by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York (GCA-NY). Taíno community members, Kasike Roberto Múkaro Borrero and Little Wolf were invited to provide a welcome and spiritual opening at the event, which also included a presentation by Guyana’s Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People's Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock. The event also featured a lecture on Guyana’s indigenous languages presented by Dr. Walter Edwards and remarks from President of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Dr. Vibert Cambridge, and other executives of the body.

UCTPTN 08.31.2017

A Taíno Kasike joins other Indigenous Leaders at Historic Gathering in Peru

Kasike Roberto Múkaro Borrero (at left) with Chief Caleen Sisk (Wintu - at center) and Casey Campy (Ponca - at right) at the Pachacamac Ceremonial Center in Peru

Pachacamac, Peru (UCTP Taíno News) – Indigenous leaders from throughout the Western Hemisphere gathered in Peru from 23-25 August 2017 in recognition of the 10^th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The events where organized by the indigenous organization Chirapaq and the agenda included a ceremonial gathering at the sacred ceremonial center of Pachacamac and a two-day conference, which focused on the history of the global indigenous movement including a current assessment of state of Indigenous Peoples around the world. Among the respected delegates invited was Roberto “Múkaro Agueibaná” Borrero, chief of the Guainia Taíno community and President of the United Confederation of Taíno People. Borrero was representing the International Indian Treaty Council and invited to share information on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Post2030 Agenda.

Before the two-day conference, participants gathered at the sacred ceremonial center of Pachacamac, which is about 40 kilometres southeast of Lima, Peru in the Valley of the Lurín River. While the ancient ceremonial complex is now designated as a museum, Indigenous Peoples from around Peru continue to use the ceremonial grounds for spiritual purposes at various times during the year.  In earlier times, the area was used by pre and post-Inca cultures after being first settled around A.D. 200. It was named after the "Earth Maker" Creator Pacha Kamaq and its role as a significant ceremonial center flourished for about 1,300 years until the Spanish invaded.

The ceremony held on August 23^rd was led by indigenous women and it focused on peace and the health of Indigenous Peoples’ communities. Borrero was the only male who was invited to share a statement and a ceremonial song at the historic gathering.

UCTPTN 08.30.2017

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