While in class at High School  a teacher told the students the Tainos in Jamaica were dead. There she was being told that she, a Jamaican Taino, was extinct.

This narrative is true for many in Jamaica who's childhood days were a life of the Tainos hiding their identity because they were afraid of being ridiculed. Moreover, many Tainos could not identify with themselves because they were told that they were extinct.

"I remember walking out of History Class because it just felt wrong to hear again that all the Taino had died out, My spirit told me that was wrong and felt personal.. not knowing yet that I too was a descendant, I said to myself I'd get the answer if I visited the maroons and I surely did"  Yamaye Taino Descendant

"My great grandmother ensured all of her children and grand children knew they were Taino (arawak back then) descendants "  Yamaye Taino Descendant

For over 30 years the ancestors have been working hard throughout the region to awaken Caribbean people that are descendants of our First People, this has been taking place through publications, conversations, gatherings, ceremonies, prayers, lectures, workshops and published materials.

Now the time has come to solidify and grow the awareness of the Yamaye people through the establishment of the First Yamaye Iukaieke (Yukayeke/ Tribe) since the invasion of the Colonizer.

Yukayeke Yamaye Guani desires to preserve the ways of our ancestors through wisdom teachings , ceremonies , protection of our sacred sites and artifacts as well as re-establishing connections with our  Caribbean Indigenous relatives to preserve for the future our culture and language.

There are many others stories of Yamaye Taino descendants and their struggles with identity. To change the narrative for future generations this is the first step.

Our Yukayeke has chosen Robert “Kalaan Nibonrix” Pairman as our Cacike (Chief) and our petition to Bohio Atabei Grandmothers Circle to conduct his investiture ceremony has been approved.

this historical occasion will be
May 26th 12pm – 2pm at Asafu Yard , Charles Town, Buffbay Portland
, followed by Guatio (friendship) ceremony with Maroon community leaders.

Our success lies in fostering relationships with persuasive, intelligent, and devoted individuals, like you, who are willing to devote the time and effort necessary to make a difference.

Please support by donating and sharing this link so we can complete this first step towards establishing and legitimizing the Yamaye Guani (Jamaican Hummingbird) Taino tribe and strengthening the spirits of the Taino descendants of Jamaica that are being told that they are "Extinct".

These donations will go towards:
Airfare , accommodations and meals for Taino Grandmothers that will be travelling to Jamaica to Conduct the ceremony , as well as necessary equipment to document this occassion and venue costs.

Seneko kakona (Abundant Blessings)