Third Puerto Rican Artisan Fair to be held in New York

New York, New York (UCTP Taino News) - The 3rd Annual “Comite Noviembre Artisan Fair and Exhibition" will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2008 in New York City from 11am – 6pm at 405 West 59th St. In keeping with its mission to promote Puerto Rican culture and art as well as to commemorate its 21st anniversary, the Comité has invited Puerto Rican artisans from Puerto Rico and the United States to participate in this event being held at the Church of ST. Paul the Apostle.

Of particular note is the participation of the artist company “Taino Spirit” featuring Aguilar Marrero and Reina Sipainaru Miranda. The works of the duo have been receiving increased attention with their exhibitions and displays being featured at the United Nations, the American Museum of Natural History, and other prestigious venues. Taino Spirit was recently acknowledged by Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion for their dedication to promoting Taino and Caribbean cultural awareness. Artist Aguilar Marrero received an additional distinction with one of his works being selected for the Comite Noviembre’s featured art poster for this year’s event. Marrero will be signing copies of these limited edition Comite Noviembre posters for visitors.

The Comite Noviembre seeks to create a “festive atmosphere” similar to the “fiesta patronales” that takes place in each town of Puerto Rico. The plan is to transform the event venue into a typical Puerto Rican plaza with artists, sculptors, vejigante mask makers etc. promoting and selling their wares while typical Puerto Rican food is sold from kiosks and musical acts entertain throughout the day. Workshops for children are planned such as mask making, the history of the three kings’ celebration, and other activities.

UCTPTN 11.18.2008

Caribbean Women share Immigrant Voices in New York

New York (UCTP Taino News) - An evening of poetry and dialogue about the Caribbean immigrant experience will take place for one night only on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Chelsea Studios in New York. The event entitled "Immigrant Voices: - Caribbean Women II" will feature several Caribbean Women who will share their stories about leaving their homes and country in search of a "better life in the United States". Immigrant Voices is hosted by Back Home, Art by Mia and CARIB and the program will begin at 7:00pm and admission is $10 with proceeds befitting CARIB, a non-profit organization. Featured artist for the program include Maria Aponte, Cheryl Boyce, Taylor L. Deean Fontaine, Gloria Ester Fontanez, and Reina M. Miranda of Taino Spirit. For additional information on the program call 1(646)300-9650. Chelsea Studios is located at 151 West 26th Street, Studio 607 (6th Fl.), between 6th and 7th Avenues in New York City. (Photo: Reina Miranda of Taino Spirit)

UCTPTN 11.06.2008

Native Artist Robby Romero’s Music Single Enters Top Ten

UCTP Taino News - The new single from American Indian songwriter and performer Robby Romero, "Who's Gonna Save You," enters the top ten at #9 on the National Aboriginal Music Charts. The hit single is now is available on Romero’s new album release Painting The World.

"Painting The World" celebrates the historical adoption of the United Nations' "Declaration on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples", a declaration that underwent the longest period of debate and negotiation of any other international human rights instrument in United Nations history. The album features an impressive array of Indigenous artists from around the world and is intended to “bridge the gap between Indigenous Peoples, human rights, and the environment.”

Guest artists featured on Painting The World include Brian Majloa (Zulu), the Gwich’in Children’s Choir (Gwich'in), Yungchen Lhamo (Tibet), Soni Moreno (Mayan/Apache/Yagui), Sofi Jannok (Saami), the P. Town Boyz (Ojibwe), George Gray (Maori), Ataahua Papa (Maori), Sixto Masaquiza (Quichua), Cameron McCarthy (Kuku-Yalanji),and Roberto Mukaro Borrero (Boriken Taino).

More information on the album and Romero’s discography can be reviewed at http://eaglethunder.com/.

The release of Painting the World took place during the United Nations Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues Cultural Event on Earth Day April 22 at United Nations Headquarters in New York City with a live performance by Romero accompanied by McCarthy and Borrero.

UCTPTN 11.05.2008

Taino Spirit at Camaradas in NYC

Taino celebrate Equinox and International Day of Peace in the Bronx

Bronx, NY (UCTP Taino News) – Taino People gathered in the South Bronx on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008 in recognition of the Autumnal Equinox and the International Day of Peace. Organized by the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society, Bohio Attabei Women's Circle, and Iukaieke Guainia in collaboration with Friends of Brook Park the gathering included ceremonies, songs, music, food, and discussion. Along with representatives of the host organizations, also in attendance throughout the day were members of Casa Atabex Ache, and hip hop poetry duo “Taino Survivalists.” A focus on the protest campaign against a proposed Columbus monument in Boriken (Puerto Rico) was featured among the various discussions taking place throughout the day. The plans to erect the Columbus statue are being initiated by the Mayor of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and The Holland Group Inc. The establishment of an international, inter-tribal coalition against the statue was announced. Follow-up on the campaign will be coordinated by the United Confederation of Taino People.

UCTPTN 09.22.2008

Taino will gather to celebrate the equinox in the Bronx

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - In recognition of the Autumnal Equinox, the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society, Bohio de Attabey Women's Circle, and Iukaieke Guainia will host a ceremonial family gathering at Brook Park in the Bronx, New York on Sunday, September 21, 2008. In collaboration with the Friends of Brook Park, the gathering will begin at 12noon with the preparation of the sacred fire. The event is free and the organizers have requested that attendees please bring their own musical instruments - maracas, guiro etc. - and food to share. Brook Park is located at 141st Street and Brook Ave in the South Bronx. For more information on the gathering contact mukaro@uctp.org or call 1(212)604-4186.

UCTPTN 09.16.2008

Taino Dancers Commemorate International Day

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - Members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society encourage audience participation during their successful presentation at the American Museum of Natural History on August 9th, 2008. The program was co-sponsored by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Secretariat, NGO Committee on the UN International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Tribal Link Foundation, and the United Confederation of Taino People in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. (photo credit: John Kwok)

UCTPTN 08.19.2008

Activists launch Cultural Internet TeleRadio Show

UCTP Taino News – Activists Jose Medina and John Aguilar Marrero have announced the “Boricuation Cultural Afternoon Internet TeleRadio Show” will premier on Sunday, August 17th, 2008. Hosted by Boricuation.com, the program will “webcast” on ESP51.com airing live from 3-6pm (EST) regularly on Sundays. Summarizing the show’s content, Taino artist John Aguilar Marrero states audiences can expect “music, community oriented announcements, special guest interviews, artist performance showcases, and a lot of cultural information especially about Taíno culture”. See more details and RSVP on the show's webpage at http://boricuation.ning.com.

Cemi Underground Presents Meet the Artists...

August 16, 2008 from 3pm to 4pm,
Cemi Underground
1799 Lexington Ave. @ 112th St., New York, NY
Contact for info: 1(212)860-2820

Meet the Artists - Painters Aguilar Marrero and Reina Miranda will discuss their artwork and inspirations in this gallery talk type event and will sell prints of their work that have been exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History and the United Nations building.

Visit Reina and Aguilar at: www.tainospirit.com

Admission: FREE

Indigenous Peoples Day, Saturday, August 9

The American Museum of Natural History
presents

Indigenous Peoples Day
Saturday, August 9
12 noon-5:00 p.m.
Kaufmann Theater, first floor
Free with Museum admission

In recognition of the United Nations' International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, this afternoon features a special concert performance with Halau I Ka Wekiu from Hawai'i as well as an indigenous Caribbean cultural presentation by members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society.

"Yarning Up", a short film series focusing on Northern Australian Aboriginal stories, will also be featured.

An Indigenous Artisan Showcase will take place in the Museum's Grand Gallery.

This program is cosponsored with the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the Tribal Link Foundation and the United Confederation of Taino People.

1:00 p.m. - Halau I Ka Wekiu
Hawaiian Hula School Performance

2:00 p.m. - "Yarning Up: 4 Short Stories from the Top End"
Australian Aboriginal Short Films
Screening with introduction and Q&A by Producer Penny Smallacombe

3:00 p.m. - Halau I Ka Wekiu
Hawaiian Hula School Performance

4:30 p.m. - Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society

12noon – 5:30pm: An Indigenous Artisan Showcase, Grand Gallery, First
Floor
Several indigenous artists including Jude Norris (Cree), Barbara James Snyder (Washoe/Paiute) and Taino Spirit will display their works throughout the day.

Global Weekends are made possible, in part, by the City of New York, the New York City Council, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Additional support has been provided by the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc., the Tolan Family, and the family of Frederick H. Leonhardt.

Public programs are made possible, in part, by the Rita and Frits Markus Fund for Public Understanding of Science.

Taino Artists to Appear on Local TV Show

Bronx, NY (UCTP Taino News) - Reina Sipainaru Miranda and Aguilar Marrero are two Taino artists collectively known as Taino Spirit. Their work based mainly on their indigenous Taino heritage will be featured on “Open” a local television show broadcast in the Bronx, NY. Taino Spirit will appear on the show live with host, the multi-talented Rhina Valentin on Friday ay, July 11, 2008. The show will be rebroadcast Friday at 10pm and again on Saturday 10am and 10pm. Viewers are invited to “call-in” or email to join the discussion in this weekly Bronx Net Cable Artist Spotlight on channel 67.

UCTPTN 07.10.2008

Indigenous People Support Green Spaces in the Bronx

Bronx, NY (UCTP Taino News) – On Saturday, June 28, 2008 members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society and the Cetilizitli Nauhcampa Mexica Dance Group took part in a cultural program celebrating “green spaces” in the Bronx. The program took place at the Kingsbridge Armory Community Garden and was organized by the Kingsbridge International Village Garden Project, a local organization. The group is working to promote the need for more “green spaces” in the Bronx as well voicing the desire for a community cultural space for local groups and youth within the Kingsbridge Amory as it is set for development. Participants were interviewed by local television and all expressed their support for community inclusion in the development plans.

Photo: Elvira and Hortencia Colorado of the Cetilizitli Nauhcampa Mexica Dance Group express their support of the Kingsbridge Community Garden Project during an interview with Bronx News 12

UCTPTN 07.08.2008

Native Peoples Day in the Bronx

Native Day at the Kingsbridge Armory International Village Garden

Located on Kingsbridge Road
Between Jerome Avenue & Aqueduct Avenue
On
Saturday June 28, 2008
From
11AM to 5PM

Celebrate our Community garden with members of the

Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society
And
Cetilixtli Naumcampa Mexica Dancers

Enjoy Native Music and Crafts

Come and help plant a flower or a tree or just enjoy the day.

Our Garden is a learning experience and

the Place to Be For a Unique and Fun Filled Family Day in the Bronx.

Free Admission

Info and Contact number 718-584-0162
Email preed@nfamas.org
KAIVG programs depend on donations and grants

Your support, donations and help are needed so we can create
beautiful, safe, healthy, and happy community green spaces for our
communities

Please help Thank You.

Please note subject to cancellation in case of rains

Taino Solstice Gathering in the Bronx

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - In recognition of World Peace and Prayer Day and the summer solstice, the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society and Iukaieke Guainia will host a ceremonial gathering and purification ceremony at Brook Park in the Bronx, New York on Saturday, June 21, 2008. A special focus of this event will be to offer prayers of unity for the participants of the Peace and Dignity Journeys Spiritual Run and the Longest Walk II. A naming ceremony for several community members will also take place. The gathering will begin at 12noon sharp and the event is free. The organizers have requested that attendees please bring food to share and consider monetary donations to the Friends of Brook Park. The park is located at 141st Street and Brook Ave in the South Bronx. For more information on the gathering contact uctp_ny@yahoo.com or call 1(212)604-4186.

UCTPTN 06.16.2008

Cacibajagua Presents Taino Culture at Gateway

New York (UCTP Taino News) - Members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society pause after a series of sucessful presentations at the "Gateway to Nations Pow Wow", which took place on June 6-8, 2008 at Gateway National Park in Brooklyn, NY. In the photo from left to right, (upper row) Maria Mautiari Diaz, Roberto Borrero, Vanessa Inarunikia, (lower row) Alex Kuyaya Pastrano, Nakota Grant-Borrero, and Ericc Ausubo Diaz. (Photo credit: Reina Sipainaru Miranda)

Gateway to Nations Pow Wow to feature Taino Culture

New York (UCTP Taino News) - The Gateway to Nations Pow Wow is a celebration of Native American culture that will take place at Brooklyn’s in Floyd Bennett Field, Gateway National Recreation Area from June 6-8, 2008. Along with Native American dancers, singers, Native American arts and jewelry, food vendors this year’s Pow Wow will feature select cultural presentations from members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society. The group will share Taino music, song, and dance as well as offer general information on Taino culture.

Other featured attractions at this annual event will be the Native Drum competition in classes from tiny tots to adults and showcase dances such as the Pura Women's Fancy Dance, Jingle Dance, Chicken Dance and Grass Dance.

Gates open on Saturday and Sunday at 11am and the Pow Wow continues all day until 7pm. The Grand Entry of Dancers begins at 1:00P on both days. On Friday, June 6th the Pow Wow grounds will be open to school groups from 10AM to 4PM.

Gateway to Nations Pow Wow is sponsored and organized by the Redhawk Indian Arts Council and more information on the event can be found at their website at http://www.redhawkcouncil.org/calendar/june19.htm.

Photo: Redhawk Indian Arts Council

UCTPTN 06.01.2008

Taino to Present Cultural Program at Pequot Museum

UCTP Taino News – Members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society will present a Taino cultural program at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. The program takes place from 1-2pm and is open to the public. The group will present Taino music and dance as well as discuss the meaning of the various songs and how the Taino instruments are played and made. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum offers engaging experiences for all ages, from life-size walk-through dioramas that transport visitors into the past, to changing exhibits and live performances of contemporary arts and cultures. For more information on the Taino presentation check out the Museum’s website at http://www.pequotmuseum.org/.

UCTPTN 05.20.2008

Cacibajagua at the Ramapo Pow Wow

Warwick, NY (UCTP Taino News) - At left Ericc Diaz (Taino) of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society connects with members of the Mexica community through a "smudging" ceremony at the Ramapo Pow Wow on Sunday, May 18th 2008. Members of Cacibajagua offered a Taino cultural presentation as well as set-up a well received information stand at the event. (Photo: Times Herald-Record/JOHN DeSANTO)

Ramapough Pow Wow This Weekend

UCTP Taino News – The Wawayanda Northern Liaison Native American Pow Wow and Gathering is set to take place this weekend, May 17-18, 2008 in Warwick, New York. The event is being held to honor “Lenape People Who Dwelled Along the Path Stretching from the Delaware River to the Hudson River” and will take place at the Warwick Veterans Memorial Park, from 10am to 6pm, rain or shine. Sanctioned by the Ramapough Mountain Indians, Inc, the Wawayanda Pow Wow will feature dancing, drumming, craft, and food.

The Ramapough Mountain Indians have resided in the Ramapough Mountains for more than three hundred years, and are a part of the greater Lenape Nation.

On Sunday - May 18 - a special cultural presentation by members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society takes place at the Wawayanda Pow Wow at 2:30pm and at 4:30pm. “Cacibajagua” is an inter-Tribal, inter-generational community of indigenous Caribbean singers, musicians, and artists dedicated to transmitting their ancestral heritage to their present and future generations.

The host drum for the Pow Wow is "Spirit of the Mountain" and Grand Entry begins at noon both days. For further information on the Wawayanda Native American Pow Wow, contact 845-610-3258 or 845-283-0764.

Photo: Jeannie Calcano, Maria Diaz, and Vanessa Inarunikia of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society (Photo by Mamarazi)

UCTPTN 05.14.2008

Cacibajagua a Hit at Drums Along the Hudson

New York (UCTP Taino News) - Members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society pause after a sucessful presentation at the "Drums Along the Hudson" Native American Festival, which took place on Saturday May 3rd, 2008 in Northern Manhattan's Inwood Hill Park at 218th Street. In the photo from left to right, (upper row) Roberto Mukaro Borrero, Jeannie Karayani McDonald, Mildred Karaira Gandia, Maria Diaz, Vanessa Inarunikia, (lower row) William Ruiz, Nakota Grant-Borrero, Ericc Diaz, and Alex Kuyaya Pastrano. (Photo credit: Miguel Ibanez, Habitat Pro)

Cacibajagua at Drums Along the Hudson

The Warwick Gombey Troupe from Bermuda will perform at Drums Along the Hudson on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

Excepts from UCTP Taino News:

Drums Along the Hudson

Date: Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
Time: 11am to 6pm rain or shine
Place: Inwood Hill Park

218th Street, Manhattan, 4 Blocks West of Broadway
Subways: 1 to 215th Street, A to 207th Street.

A Native American Festival & Shad Fest featuring drummers & dancers from around the world... Storytelling, Native Arts & Crafts, international food, free Shad tasting and Hudson River fish exhibits... Honoring for Mohawk Chief Jake Swamp, Founder of the Tree of Peace Society and Xernona Clayton, Creator and Executive Producer of the Trumpet Awards...

Special guest performers include members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society and the Warwick Gombey Troupe & The St. David's Island Indians.

For more information on the program or directions on how to get there visit
http://www.drumsalongthehudson.org/ or call 212-627-1076 x 18.

UCTPTN 05.01.2008

Cacibajagua Artists Present Gifts at UCTP Celebration

Cacibajagua Notes: On behalf of the Untied Confederation of Taino People (UCTP), Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Soceity Members Reina Miranda and John Aguilar Marrero presented 5 prints of their works which are on display at the United Nations until May 18th. The prints were presented to Kaliago Carib Chief Charles Willams of Dominica, Chief Damon Corrie of the Eagle Clan Arawaks (Barbados & Guyana), Ambassador Crispin Gregoire of Dominica, Ali El Issa of the Flying Eagle Woman Fund, and Pamela Kraft of the Tribal Link Foundation on Friday, April 25th 2008. The Day has been designated United Confederation of Taino People Day in NY by the NY City Council.

Photo: Eagle Clan Arawak Chief Damon Corrie and Aguilar Marrero (Taino)

Taino and Arawak Works on Display at UN Headquarters

United Nations (UCTP Taino News) – Contemporary Taino artists Reina Miranda, Mildred Mukara Torres Speeg and John Aguilar Marrero were among the indigenous artists whose selected works were featured at the opening of the United Nations Art exhibition entitled “Spirit of Our Ancestors”. The exhibition was launched in conjuction with the 7th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the opening took place on Tuesday, April 22nd 2008 at United Nations headquarters in New York. A testament to Caribbean indigenous survival, the paintings and their accompanying explanatory text have the potential to educate thousands of international visitors daily. Marrero and Miranda are members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society. Torres-Speeg is a UCTP representative in the state of Georgia. Also on display are three wood sculptures by Foster Simon, an acclaimed Lokono Arawak from Pakuri Arawak Territory in Guyana. Mr. Simon’s works are also featured in the Presidential collections of Guyana, Venezuela, and Bolivia. This special exhibition is free and open to the public during weekdays for a limited engagement closing on May 18, 2008.

Photo: Taino women at the opening of the "Spirit of Our Ancestors" exhibition at the United Nations. From left: Leenda Bonilla; Mildred Karaira Gandia, Maria Diaz, and Reina Miranda

UCTPTN 04.23.2008

Taino Answer 8,000 Drum Call

UCTP Taino News – The Otomi Nation of Mexico has issued a call to “Indigenous First Nations, Peoples, Communities and Organizations of the World and all Humankind” in an effort to fulfill a prophecy that speaks of healing Mother Earth. Entitled the “Grand Ceremony of the 8,000 Sacred Drums”, Otomi spiritual leaders and allies will conduct a ceremony on March 21st 2008 at the Otomi Ceremonial center at 12noon, (local time) in the Temoaya, State of México.

In collaboration with the International Indigenous University, the Otomi have called for solidarity for this ceremony on previous occasions and this year, they have renewed their efforts to “begin a a true Healing of Mother Earth, of All the Species and of the Human Family”. The Otomi feel that the state of the Earth today represents a “total imbalance” and that there is a need to “re-unify” and “re-discover” our connection to the earth and “cosmic energy”. Taino leaders in Boriken (Puerto Rico) and the Diaspora have responded officially to the Otomi Nation, and have pledged solidarity with the 8,000 Drums event on Friday, March 21st.

See full story at http://www.uctp.blogspot.com/

Taino Cultural Presentation in NY