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

Artists María Ramos and José Sánchez with Tai Pelli (center) the day of the signing of "Ventana Taína" - Photo by: Villy Falcón

“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

June 29th, 2015

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

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

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