Lokono Chief Damon Corrie Attends Climate Change Consultation in Peru

Chief Damon Corrie (Lokono Arawak) presents a Taino necklace to
Lima meeting Chairperson Benito Callixto, head of the Indigenous Forum
of Abya Yala (FIAY in Spanish). The gift made was made by Taino leader and artist
Roberto Mukaro Borrero and presented on behalf of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO) 
and the United Confederation of Taino People.

Lima, Peru (UCTP Taino News) - Lokono Arawak leader Damon Corrie attended the UN Climate Conference (COP21) Regional Consultation for Latin America and the Caribbean in Lima, Peru from 12-15 October 2015. The consultation sought to consolidate regional positions on Climate Change, which would add to outcomes of similar consultations being conducted around the world. The Indigenous Peoples Global Climate Change Consultations are an initiative of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Corrie was the only indigenous representative from a Caribbean Small Island State in attendance. Speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO) and the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) Corrie expressed concerns of Indigenous Peoples of Caribbean small islands including global sea level and temperature rise, increasingly intense hurricanes and tropical storms, food sovereignty, and unusual rain and drought patterns. Chief Corrie intends to be present at and share these concerns, among others, at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC-COP21), which will take place in Paris, France 30 Nov. - 11 December 2015. 

UCTPTN 10.16.2015 

Looking through “Ventana Taína”; an oil on canvas masterpiece

Looking through “Ventana Taína”; an oil on canvas masterpiece

September 12^th, 2015

Six months ago, Borikua artists, María Ramos and José Sánchez, decided to work together on a huge oil on canvas. Their idea was to collaborate on a piece that would honorably depict Taíno Culture.

Five and a half months later, I happened to see a picture they posted on social media that showed them both working on the painting. I was extremely happy to see these two wonderful artists working together. I knew that whatever they  were working on, would become a masterpiece.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor to go preview the painting and witness their signing it. Nothing prepared me for the impression this painting would have on me as I walked into the studio. “Ventana Taína” is precisely that, a window that teleports you to the times of our Taíno ancestors prior to colonization.

The painting is 60 X 84, and it makes you feel as though you are part of that scenario. Initially inspired by certain characteristics of Cueva Ventana in Borikén (Puerto Rico), -which always leaves one in awe-, “Ventana Taína” makes you feel as though you are inside the cave looking out. The image of the child hiding behind his father makes you feel as though it is you this young family has in front of them, as they stand at the entrance of the cave.

There are so many elements of our culture in this masterpiece that you can stand there for a long period of time immersed in the details. Food, spirituality, fauna, flora, art, skill, creativity, all is there, depicted in this magnificent painting.

I often speak about how us (Taíno) as a Peoples, carry many things within our cellular memory. Knowing that María Ramos and José Sánchez did not set out to paint from a draft, but rather brush right onto the canvas, I cannot help it but be convinced, that although they were the vessels that held the brushes and mixed the paint, the story being told was coming right from their own cellular memories.

As a Taíno, I feel honored to finally see something of this magnitude that reaffirms the beauty of our culture, and the inferred resilience of our peoples. Others will have the opportunity to learn about our Taíno Peoples, for we are no longer invisible. All of this made possible, as we choose to step forward to enter that cave and take a look through “Ventana Taína”.

Tai Pelli

“Ventana Taína” is currently being exhibited at the Orange County Regional History Center at 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando Florida

Bohío Atabei women attend Summer Solstice Ceremony in Pittsburgh

Bohío Atabei women attend Summer Solstice Ceremony in Pittsburgh

Bohío Atabei Mujeres de la Yuca present a gift to Behike Sague at the Taíno Summer Solstice in Pitssburgh. Photo: Courtesy of Bernadette Myd

Women of Bohío Atabei cheer as Bibi Inarunikia Pastrano presents a gift to Behike Sague
Photo: Courtesy of Bernadette Myd

June 29th, 2015

On Saturday, June 20^th, 2015, women from the Bohío Atabei Mujeres de la Yuca, joined Behike Miguel “Sobaoko Koromo” Sague, as well as members and friends of the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle in Pittsburgh, to celebrate the Taíno Summer Solstice Ceremony.

The weather in Pittsburgh had been somewhat challenging for the past few days, yet it did not interfere with the desire of many brothers and sisters to participate in this beautiful and important ceremony. We had the pleasure of finally meeting in person our brothers Chris Hanson, as well as Kasike Guatú Iri from Yukayeke Manicato.

As we waited, Andy Collazo, from Iukaieke Guainía played the mayohuakán, as the women from the Bohio sang and danced. One could not help but join in songs, smiles and the good energy that was being shared by all.

We moved locations, and ended up going to a beautiful park where all shades of green adorned the surroundings. The aroma of the recently showered ground, and the coolness one feels after the rain, became part of the ceremony itself.

The sisters from the Caney, Tenanche, Carmen, Davinia, as well as our other brothers and sisters were all welcoming and embraced us as their guests making us all feel at home and with family.

Having attended other ceremonies by the Caney, I have to say that this one was one of the most beautiful ones yet.  We had a very good and balanced group of men and women. While the men went to have the chord ceremony, the women gathered and shared teachings. This was very empowering to all.

As the men finally returned to circle, they were singing a Taíno song as they were approaching. Without say, we turned to look at our brothers and joined in the song. To me, this was “magical” as I noticed that as the men were getting closer, their voices and that of the women’s became one. It was a spiritual fusion, one of those things to which one can only say: “You had to be there!”

We concluded the ceremony with a poem, songs and dance. The women from Bohío Atabei presented Behike Sague with a beautiful blanket as a token of gratitude.

As the evening progressed, and we shared food and conversation, I observed from a distance, knowing that we all were where we needed to be at that precise moment. It was about connecting with our ancestors, our spiritual family, and honoring all that we are and shall continue to be through our future generations.

Tai Pelli

Indigenous Peoples in Nepal deserve rescue efforts as well!

Who is looking for the survivors of Indigenous Peoples Villages in Nepal?

April 29^th, 2015

By: Tai Pelli

Pratap Singh Nachhiring

Pratap Singh Nachhiring and a sister from the Rai Peoples

I found out about the Earthquake in Nepal, the morning I was to check-out of my hotel, after attending the first week of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. As most of the Indigenous delegates know, the cost of staying in NYC is high and most of us get to participate for only one week. (The previous week, I mentored other Indigenous Delegates through Tribal Link’s Project Access.)

Still, I found it peculiar that as I read news reports and watched videos on the situation, there was a lack of mention of Indigenous communities affected by the earthquake. Granted, I know there were landslides making reaching those places almost impossible, but we now there are helicopters, and although there was a shortage of those as well, one would think, in all fairness, that as citizens of Nepal, they too, receive the same assistance and consideration than those in the city and those foreigners who were rescued in other parts by helicopters. That has not happened for Indigenous Peoples. It wasn’t until yesterday that I first read about a concern by an Asian Organization that wrote an article about the impact on Indigenous Villages.

Since Saturday, I have been looking for my dear friend, colleague and Indigenous brother, Indigenous and Human Rights Advocate, Pratap Singh Nachhiring, and founder of the Kirat Rodu Nachhiring Sakham, Nepal, as well as his Nachhiring Peoples and the Rai Peoples, who reside up in the hills. I have found no mention on these communities at all.

Understanding that the airport in Nepal is now congested from all the planes that are bringing aid, would it be fair to say, that perhaps some of these efforts could be spread and not just centered for the Kathmandu city area? ALL LIVES MATTER!!! There are other smaller airports that could receive some planes and helicopters. I am of the opinion, that if there is a chance for survivors in these communities, an effort should be made to try to give them a chance at life as well. The impact of this earthquake and the aftershocks is overwhelming, yet, we cannot forget about the Indigenous citizens of Nepal, even if they have made a few reports on Human Rights Violations and have stood up defending their inherent rights as a Peoples! One wouldn’t want to think that this grave situation has become “convenient to eliminate the Indigenous problem”, as some in many parts of the world have decided to nick those of us who defend our inherent rights! ;-)

Tai Pelli 

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! 

World Conference on Indigenous Peoples Follow-up: Deadline April 6

Indigenous Peoples around the world are invited to provide their valuable input in responding a questionnaire on the follow up to the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples 2014 by 6 April 2015 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCIP

Change from Carib to Kalinago now official

A name change from the Carib Reserve to Kalinago Territory has received approval from Parliament.

The Carib Territory Amendment Act which was brought to Parliament by Kalinago Affairs Minister, Casius Darroux, was passed with the support of The United Workers Party parliamentary opposition.

Speaking at the First Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament on Friday, Darroux said the name change will represent the image of the Kalinago people in a more affirmative way, “ to reflect a better indigenous identity, to dispel the historic negative connotations linked with the word Carib…”

“It is a new day for us, it is a new day in the history of the Kalinago people as the first inhabitants of the country. This bill that has been passed through Parliament to be amended. It is going to bring a lot of thought provoking ideas that we are going to develop for the betterment of the Kalinago people,” the first time parliamentarian and cabinet minister stated.

According to Darroux, since the arrival of Columbus, the Kalinago people have been “littered” with degrading connotations, “one of oppression which is a reminder that history has failed to recognize the sacrifices of my people and the appreciation of us as the first settlers of the land,” adding, “this does not foster any sense of ethnic pride among the indigenous people.”

Darroux describes Kalinago as the true reflection of a dynamic symbol of resistance to colonization and more so, “a symbol of unity, survival and strength which has the power to unify diverse people.”

The minister’s plans for development of the Kalinago Territory include new accommodations for the Kalinago Village Council, the commissioning of a resource centre which, according to him, “is going to be completed very soon and we will be having the opening for that” and resurfacing of the Kalinago Territory road networks.

Source: Dominica News Online - Sunday, February 22nd, 2015