About the Higuayagua Taíno Tribe
Honoring Our Ancestors, Preserving Our Heritage
The Higuayagua Taíno Tribe is a modern-day community dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the rich cultural heritage of the Taíno people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean. Our name, Higuayagua, is derived from the Taíno language and reflects our deep connection to the land, sea, and spiritual traditions of our ancestors. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we serve the broader Taíno community by providing educational, cultural, and linguistic resources to all those seeking to connect with their Indigenous Caribbean ancestry.
The Taíno People: A Brief History
The Taíno were the first indigenous people encountered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 when he arrived in the Caribbean. They inhabited the islands of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (modern-day Dominican Republic and Haiti), Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. The Taíno were skilled farmers, fishermen, and artisans, known for their intricate pottery, woven textiles, and sophisticated agricultural practices.
The Taíno lived in close harmony with nature, guided by a spiritual belief system that honored the zemí (spirits or deities) and the natural world. Their society was organized into cacicazgos (chiefdoms), led by a cacique (chief), and they thrived for centuries before the arrival of European colonizers.
The colonization of the Caribbean brought devastating consequences for the Taíno people. Forced labor, disease, and violence led to the rapid decline of their population. Despite this, the Taíno legacy endures through their descendants, cultural practices, and the influence of their language on modern Spanish and English.
Our Mission and Work
The Higuayagua Taíno Tribe is relentless in retelling Caribbean history through a Native perspective to dispel the myth of total Taíno extinction. Assimilation is not extermination. Our people embrace the fact that we are tripartite—Indigenous, African, and European—but this does not negate our Indigenous ancestry or identity. Historically, our Indigeneity has been denied, and the extinction narrative has taken its toll. However, modern sciences, such as DNA analysis, have confirmed what we have always known: modern Caribbean peoples do have Taíno/Indigenous ancestry. The answer is a resounding YES.
Today, we are writing ourselves back into history while simultaneously recording and preserving continuing traditions that persist in rural areas. These traditions have suffered greatly due to the stigma associated with anything Indigenous or Campesino (rural). Our African and Spanish ancestors are not being negated—quite the contrary. Our Indigenous identity and culture, which are geographically rooted, have been neglected for far too long. Thus, our determination to reclaim and celebrate our heritage is unbending.
Through our 501(c)(3) organization, our dedicated staff and directors have:
- Provided aid for Native people, including collecting food and clothing for victims of Hurricane Maria and the Puerto Rican earthquakes.
- Hosted cultural events such as traditional dances, storytelling, lectures, and workshops, with all proceeds going back into the community.
- Awarded high school and college scholarships to support the education of our youth.
Our motto, “Each One Teach One, Each One Heal One,” reflects our commitment to community empowerment, education, and cultural preservation.
Our Vision for the Future
The Higuayagua Taíno Tribe envisions a future where Taíno culture is recognized and respected as an integral part of the Caribbean’s identity. We are committed to building bridges between the past and present, ensuring that the wisdom and traditions of our ancestors continue to inspire future generations. By reclaiming our Indigenous identity, we aim to foster pride, resilience, and unity within our community and beyond.
Join Us
Whether you are of Taíno descent, a supporter of Indigenous rights, or simply curious about our culture, we invite you to join us in our journey. Together, we can honor the legacy of the Taíno people and ensure that their spirit lives on.