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

48th Day of Mourning/Remembrance features Taíno Speakers

Roberto Borrero shares a Taíno song at National Day of Mourning with fellow Taíno David Rodriguez and Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana

Plymouth, Massachusetts (UCTP Taíno News) - Since 1970, American Indians and their allies have gathered at noon on Cole's Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the US Thanksgiving holiday. The 48th annual Day of Mourning Rally and March through Plymouth's historic district was held on Thursday, November 23rd. Participants honored Native ancestors and the continuing struggles of Native peoples to survive today. According to the United American Indians of New England, the organization that organizes the event, "It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression, which Native Americans continue to experience." The day began with prayers and song continuing with statements presented by indigenous leaders from the region and beyond. Among the speakers were two Taíno, Bibi Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana of the Bohio Atabei and Roberto Múkaro Borrero, President of the United Confederation of Taino People. Borrero was also representing the International Indian Treaty Council. Both Pastrana and Borrero focused their presentations on the current situation in hurricane ravaged Borikén (Puerto Rico). Borrero also shared a Taíno song accompanied by Pastrana and David Rodriguez, a Taíno who was among the front-line water protectors at Standing Rock pipeline action. The organizers pledged a part of the proceeds toward relief efforts in Borikén. The event culminated in a grand "pot luck" feast provided to participants free of charge. 

UCTPTN 11/24/2017

Taino Confederation Representation at Pequot Pow Wow

UCTP Liaison Officer Angel Ortiz at the 2017 Honoring the Veterans Powwow

Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, Connecticut (UCTP Taíno News) - For the 6th year in a row, UCTP Liaison Officer Angel "Lion Heart" Ortiz  represented the United Confederation of Taino Peoples at the "Honoring the Veterans Powwow", Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center in Connecticut. 

A Guainia Taíno Tribal member, Ortiz commented "As every year, the Pequot Nation received us with profound respect including us not only at annual Grand Entry, but also at the Sacred Ceremony of the posting and retiring of the Flags." This year Ortiz's wife,  Carmela, also participated representing the U.S. Coast Guard and carrying the American Flag. 

Several Taíno Women and their family members also traveled from far distances in order to make it to this event, among them, Chali'Inaru SmileznBill Dones from Massachusetts and Nicole Luz from Rhode Island. 

Throughout 2017, the UCTP flag was presented by Ortiz at multiple Powwows throughout 
New England.

UCTPTN 11/12/2017

National Day of Action supported by Taíno Confederation

Roberto Múkaro Borrero, President of the United Confederation of Taíno People addresses the crowd gathered for the National Day of Action on behalf of Puerto Rico at Union Square Park in New York 

Union Square, NY (UCTP Taíno News) - Hundreds of Puerto Ricans and allies came out on Wednesday, October 11 to Union Square Park to support a "National Day of Action" on behalf of Puerto Rico, which was ravaged by Hurricane Maria last month. Millions of people across the archipelago are still without electricity. There continues to be limited access to food, water, and many residents have completely lost their homes. The Climate Justice Alliance called action urging people to organize marches and hold rallies to support a “just recovery and transition”for Puerto Rico. Speakers called for full debt relief for Puerto Rico; permanent lifting of the Jones Act; transparent decision-making process for the distribution of resources; detailed screening for environmental justice concerns; among other demands. Roberto Múkaro Borrero was among the first to address the assembly affirming the support of the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) for the National Day of Action. He also recognized the island's over 500 years of colonial history as a part of the root cause of its current situation. The UCTP has set up a webpage for updated information following the hurricane and is working with community members on and of the island toward relief efforts.

UCTPTN 10/12/2017

Confederation Launches 'Reconsider Columbus Day' Website

A screen shot from the new Reconsider Columbus Day website

Manhattan, NY (UCTP Taino News) - On October 9th, 2017, the United Confederation of Taino People launched a website entitled  "Reconsider Columbus Day." The site was developed to archive work, by the Confederation and others, to abolish the Columbus Day holiday in the U.S. and promote an alternative commemoration - Indigenous Peoples Day. The website features the 2009 collaboration between Nu Heightz Cinema and the Confederation, which produced a video public service announcement entitled "Reconsider Columbus Day." The PSA and its accompanying awareness-raising campaign called for the recognition of a National Native American Holiday and the efforts to achieve such a day continue. A "work-in-progress," The Reconsider Columbus Day website includes a blog highlighting articles focusing on this and related issues.

UCTPTN 10.09.2017