Taino Awards - El Mukaro 2025

[Dayvanna Caraballo Schreiner]

(pictured below, Ceiba Anna

and Mukaro)

Remember back when there was a time our people gathered to celebrate with each other. Like our tree, the roots are long and strong. Omitting the essence of our lineage and providing the nourishment for all generations to live.

This year, something has shifted. The 15th Annual Taino Awards in the Bronx was more than an event-it was a homecoming, a reunion of spirits, and a living testament to the endurance of our culture. For two decades, my heart pulled me toward New York, yet old fears and life’s obligations kept me away. I watched from afar as our relatives in NY and NJ kept the traditions alive, connecting through screens and phone calls, always feeling the ache of distance. For ten years, the Taino Awards called to me-a drumbeat in my chest, a whisper from my ancestors. Yet, somehow, the stars never aligned.

   Until now!

   In 2025, with a sudden grace I can only call ancestral intervention, doors opened. My work released me, a humble place to stay appeared, and friends-Miguel Sague Jr., Domingo Hernandez, Lizette Rivera-rose up like guardian spirits, guiding me home. Bomatum-eternal gratitude-to them. They helped me move through my fears, reminding me internally that our roots, though stretched across states and generations, are still intertwined, still pulsing with life.

Crossing into New York, I felt the old anxieties-like labor pains, raw and real-yet I was not alone. We supported each other, trusting the unseen forces that have always carried our people. When we finally arrived, it felt as if the ancestors themselves had cleared the way. The Taino Awards became not just a gathering, but a ceremony celebration of life itself-a dance with those who came before us, and those yet to come.

I was not raised immersed in my Taino culture nor even Puerto Rican culture. My journey to reclaim my identity began late, guided by dreams, intuition, and the subtle wisdom of those who walked before me. I never imagined that my first Taino Awards would be themed around El Mukaru-the sacred owl, a symbol that had already woven itself into my own story, etched into my skin and spirit. The owl, as the ceremony reminded us, is not just a creature of darkness and fear, but a guardian guiding us through uncertainty, reminding us to see in all directions, to trust in the dawn that follows every night.

Stepping into that packed room, my heart soared. Faces I had only known through ceremony or screens now glowed with warmth and recognition. There were not enough chairs, but there was more than enough love. Hugs, laughter, and the beating of the guamo drum filled the air, drawing everyone into an invisible center-a place where our shared heritage could shine, unbroken and eternal.

To all who made this possible, to every ancestor whose prayers and songs echo through our veins, I am eternally grateful. This gathering was more than a celebration-it was a healing, a reminder, and a promise that the roots of our people will never be forgotten.

A woman at the podium spoke, her eyes filled with love for us all. I instantly connected with her-a feeling of knowing, of recognition, as if her spirit echoed the great mother herself. Her words, brimming with encouragement and unwavering love, swept through the room and wrapped us in warmth. In that moment, I learned her name: Shihan Candy Warixi Soto.

Shihan Candy is more than just the founder of the Taino Awards-she is its heart and guiding force. Born in Manhattan, deeply in love with Taino culture and history, she has dedicated her life to uplifting our community. Her leadership is not just organizational, but spiritual and ancestral. She embodies the essence of the great mother, channeling a light that cannot be dimmed, no matter how many try to tear down what we build.

I remember her inviting us, “If you see me, give me a hug.” Such a simple request, but it spoke volumes. It was an invitation to connect, to break down barriers, to remember that we are family. The work she and her team do is truly priceless-this gathering, now in its 15th year, is a testament to their dedication and love. Even as challenges and negativity exist in the world around us, the ancestral light she brings is undeniable. Truth, after all, cannot be erased.

This was my first Taino Awards, so I have no previous years to compare it to. Yet I felt, deep in my bones, that this year’s gathering was unique. Perhaps each Taino Awards is incomparable, each one answering “The Call” in its own way. For me, the timing was profound: springtime, the season of birth and renewal, when the energy of Yokahu-the spirit of new life-emerges from the dry season into the rains. This is also a time when, on a national scale, Indigenous and Native communities are facing monumental challenges and change. In this context, the Taino Awards felt like both a beginning and an end-the beginning of reclaiming our power, and the end of being silent or submissive.

I believe we do not fight with weapons or harsh words. Our strength is in preservation, protection, and survival. The cycle continues, just as life does, moving and growing beyond our individual existence. The energy in that room, the ancestral presence, and the leadership of Shihan Candy Warixi Soto reminded us all: our story is ongoing, our roots are deep, and our light endures.

A bountiful dance and song filled the air throughout the hours there. The steady rhythm of drums, the echo of maracas, and the voices raised in song created a living tapestry of joy and remembrance. Each movement, each note, was a tribute to our ancestors-a way of keeping their stories alive in our bodies and hearts.

Throughout the evening, we gained insights of many as they were honored for the work they are doing in the community. Each honoree stood as a beacon, a reminder that our collective efforts ripple outward, nourishing our people and inspiring the next generation. The Taino Awards are not about personal glory. We do not do this for awards; we do this for our ancestors and for the generations yet to come. Still, this annual recognition is vital. It keeps our traditions alive, affirms our shared values, and, perhaps most importantly, reminds us all: you are not alone.

This celebration was more than a ceremony-it was a call to action and a reminder of what is possible when we stand together and love one another. It showed us what we can do, what we must continue to do, and how much stronger we are when we support one another. The stories I heard, the laughter I shared, and the wisdom that passed down will remain with me long after the music fades.

As I return home, I carry with me a piece of that light. When my candle burns, I will think of this day and the many beautiful souls I spoke with. I will remember the warmth of our hugs, the power of our songs, and the unbreakable thread that connects us all. This experience is now woven into my spirit-a reminder that our culture, our love, and our community are eternal. Han Han Catu!

I am still processing the weekend but know this: we all live within the great mystery’s embrace. What we say, do, and provide ripples out, impacting many-even those who could not be present. When the Guamo calls and the Maguayacan sings, we hear you! Bomatum to Candy and the organizers, to those who traveled, and to our ancestors for granting us our existence. May we always dance well and in a good way.

 

To honor the spirit of this gathering, I want to recognize the 2025 Taino Awards honorees, whose dedication and love continue to uplift our community. Their work is a living offering to our ancestors and a beacon for generations to come.

These words shared by Warixi -

Here are this year’s honorees, as shared by Warixi:

2025 Honorees

• Areito Award for Artisan of the Year:Rafy Velez
• Yocahu Humanitarian Award:Sonia Veras
• Areito Award for Author of the Year:Walter Feshold Rodriguez
• Tabanuko Healer:Iris Soto
• Guaitiao Community:David Aviles
• Koa/Educator: Lizette Guani Rivera
• Guaitiao Service: Alicea
• Areito Award Poet of the Year:Jasminne Mendez
• Areito Photographer:Ivelisse Arroyo
• Guaitiao/Friendship Award for Service: Irving Ramirez
• Kabuya/Textiles Award:Milly Mariott
• Areito Musician of the Year:Rodney Guatu Shina Rivera
• Attabeira Lifetime Achievement:Cacike Roman Guaraguaorix Perez
• Areito Award Jewelry Maker of the Year:Grace Rebel Cepeda
• Agueybana Award/Man of the Year:Hector Maya
• Guariche Award/Woman of the Year:Irka Mateo

I’d like to say thank you to Beike Miguel Sobaokokoromo Sague Jr. for starting the ceremony off with a beautiful opening blessing. We are eternally grateful for your words Beike.

I would like to thank Taller Bujiti (Liz and Fernando) for the beautiful awards they made this year and for bringing a little bit of the Island of Boriken with their presence. The award they made is a carved wood plaque with the petroglyph of the owl found in the Ceremonial Park of Caguana. Amazing awards. Se botaron.

We were blessed with the gift of music turning this year’s awards into an Areito. We are so thankful to the following people: William Ruiz and Til Behler who entertained us with the drum and flute fusion. Gabriel Munoz, who got the crowd dancing to the music he made on that cuatro he plays with so much passion. Kacike Mukaro and Casibahagua blessed us with dance and music, and they had everyone join them on the floor. Irka Mateo “our Guariche/woman of the year and The Taino Sacred Songkeepers showed us what it sounds like when women pick up the Maguayacan. Their voices are so pure and their playing so intense. The Tekinas came with their Pow Wow drum, and it was beautiful to hear the heartbeat played by all Taino. Thank you all for making the ceremony so special.

I’d like to thank all who attended the ceremony, all who donated at the door and all of those who bought raffle tickets. We would like to thank all who have supported our mission throughout the years.

I’d like to thank REDRUM MC for their major contribution and donation to our Taino Awards with the run that they had for “The 15th Taino Awards” We appreciate all of you!

I want to thank all the Artisans at this year’s awards, your art was/is certainly exceptional, and you are what makes this happen.
Mukaro

• Lisa Valle
• Michelle Anne
• Olga Ayala
• Nanette
• Rebel & Jennifer
• Maria Sarobeiki
• Joanne Jimenez
• Fernando and Liz
• Rafy
• Madeline Jackson
• Sazon de Olga
• Dalia Viera Gonzalez
• Millie Mariot

We would also like to thank Boricua College for hosting us once again.

We would like to thank our volunteers

• Sarai Nanixiana Santiago
• Cristina Rosado
• Fahad
• Jennifer
• Bandanna Redrum MC
• David Redrum MC
• Domiciano Diaz, for providing the Mavi
• Jose Velazquez
• Robert Mtn Bear Delgado
• All who donated to our fundraiser-thank you

 

A big, huge “Thank you” to my talented Taino Awards Committee

• Elena Mamarazzi “Cucubanoaru” Marrero
• Yadhira “Anainaruti” Taylor Gonzalez
• Nanette “WeianaArei” Sanchez
• Livia “Guatuarei” Nieves
• Peggy “GuatuKi” Robles-Alvarado
• Hally El Ward Ferrara
• Dalia Ines Viera Gonzalez
• Caitlin Ortiz
• Gilbert Guamoiro Soto Maya
• Jason Shamsterdam Kuiroke Calderon
• Grace Rebel Orisha Cepeda
• Jaharasann Ferrer

A special thanks to Attabei and Yocahu for allowing us the pleasure of spending time together celebrating this beautiful simple culture. “May Yocahu keep guiding you and May Attabei keep you grounded”

Blessings,
Warixi