Repeating Islands

(Calling Dr. Haslip-Vieira et al!) The Voice of the Taíno People Online, “a syndicated indigenous news service dedicated to increasing the visibility of Taíno and other native peoples from throughout the Caribbean region and the Diaspora in the spirit of our ancestors,” announced that in early December, Opia Taíno of St. Thomas and the United Confederation of Taíno People adopted a Declaration of Unity at Magens Bay, St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands). [For more details on the pro-Taíno roots movement, see Puerto Rico, Dominica and Cuba embrace their Taíno Indian heritage and Puerto Rico: Afro-Caribbean and Taíno Identity.] See more of the original article below:

The historic treaty was ratified in a special ceremony by Maekiaphan and Tesroy Phillips and other members of the local Taíno and Carib community represented by Opia Taíno and Roberto Mukaro Borrero, representing the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP).

“This is a significant moment in our collective history” stated Borrero. “We are affirming and honoring our ancestral connections across the region in an effort to promote our ancient Indigenous heritage to our present and future generations.”

Maekiaphan Phillips agreed stating, “I personally feel that the signing of this treaty was extremely important and significant, not only by words but by documentation so that we secure not only our past, but protect our future generations, and dismiss the myth that Taíno People are extinct. [. . .] The signing of the Treaty out at Magens Bay, an actual ancient Amerindian site here in the Virgin Islands, displayed the utmost respect for our ancestors.”

[. . .] The ceremony included a procession around the Magens Bay Arboretum, a conservancy of nearly three quarter of a mile featuring indigenous and exotic plant and tree species. The Arboretum is the site of an ancient indigenous settlement, as well as a colonial-era plantation. Located on the North (Atlantic) side of the island, Magens Bay features a well-protected, world renowned white sand beach.

“If we do not display unity, the myth of us being savage will then prove to be true” states Phillips. “I feel it is important for all Taíno People to embrace each other so that our future generations will be honored to not only say we are the descendants of the Taíno, but we are Taíno.”

For original article, see http://uctp.blogspot.ca/2012/12/Taíno-peoples-continue-to-unify-in.html?m=1

Image: Flag of the United Confederation of Taíno People