Seeking a leader; the need for a “Voice of Authority” for our dead language

Wisegeek.com states “A dead language is a language which is no longer learned as a native language.“  Wikipedia says that a dead language has no competent speakers and that an extinct language is one that has no speakers at all, be that by language replacement or language evolution.  Examples of these are Modern English having [...]

Why not the Chamorro? A possible peer in Taino cultural revival….

The  discussion I was participating in on the UCTP forum regarding the Taino language, inspired me to further research other indigenous peoples who may be like us;  folks struggling with their own individual decolonization while trying to help heal that of  their people, reviving the culture and those things that are important to it, making [...]

“Tau” as religious infiltration?

The thought of “Tau” being a religious corruption was a very interesting element added to the “Tau” discussion… Some folks believe that “tau” is of christian origin because of the tau cross used by the Franciscan monks,  as a mark of those who accept Christ as their savior, and maybe even the mark painted in [...]

Who’s example can we follow? Are the Maori a good choice?

In a recent discussion on the UCTP forum regarding the matter of the Taino language, it’s development and evolution came up.  The particular word being discussed was “Tau” which has been used for several years now as a greeting among Taino online.   No one seems to know where the word came from, nor how [...]

Some thoughts on the word “Tau”

There has been an uproar in the Taino community recently with regards to the word “tau” being used as a greeting.  Apparently this word has not been found in any of the resources we have for Taino language, nor has it been found in any of our cousin languages… those that have been looked through, [...]

They came before Columbus… and what?!?

I read They Came Before Columbus:  The African Presence in Ancient America by Ivan Van Sertima.  I wasn’t halfway through this book and I was thoroughly offended, but I finished it just to hear their point of view. I don’t buy it.

Splintering among the Taino Nation…

These are some questions I thought very interesting, and I had never considered before.   They were posted on an Indigenous Forum I participate in by someone whom I consider quite intelligent.  The questions are regarding the Taino Movement and it’s people from 20+ years ago to the present.  There are some people who have been [...]

Resurgence or Insurgence? Stoking the rage of colonization…

I was recently in a conversation with a Taino gentleman who’s passion for the Taino Nation was so strong it was admirable. He was intelligent and seemed well read and interesting.  Personally, I believe he had some very good points at times, but sadly, his truth was hidden in thorns which made it difficult to [...]

Restitution or retribution for the first “Indians”?

Who needs federal recognition?  Why should we beg like dogs for the privledge of being able to be called “Native American” when this title is rightfully ours by virtue of birth? Why not take the conquerors to the world courts for crimes against humanity?  Why not take Spain, Portugal,  France and England to court for [...]

A comer pasteles!!!

This post was originally published on La Diva Latina .com.  Reposted here with the Author’s permission… With the Holidays upon us, families across the Caribbean and beyond will soon be serving up all manner of traditional meals. On the island of Boriken ( Puerto Rico ) for example, no traditional holiday feast would be compete [...]

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.