Indigenous Caribbean Network

I had the honor of participating in Spring Equinox Ceremony this past weekend Sunday March 20, 2011 with members of the United Confederation of Taino People, the Yukayeke Guainia and with a large group of other Taino and non-Taino brothers and sisters in a magical little piece of the Bronx called Brook Park.

This was an extremely well-attended event in which the power of unity and camaraderie was palpable and demonstrated that Tainos really can come together in sacred harmony in an urban setting and express our spiritual tradition as relatives.

The whole event was organized by Guama Kasike Roberto Mucaro Borrero and a number of trusted friends. The kasike led us through all the parts of the ceremony.

I was accompanied at the event by my two good Taino warrior brothers Branden Kotubanama of Boriken and Naniki Bo of New York, soon to move to New Mexico.

In attendance we ran into our dear Taino brother Maximus.

There was a huge number of people that I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time.

Singing and chanting of the traditional Taino sacred songs rang out in the chilly afternoon air to the beautiful rhythm of the mayohuakan drums which were played by both brothers and sisters in attendance.

Kasike Mucaro honored me by giving me the opportunity to share the Caney Circle chant to Ata Bey during the circle ceremony before we entered the guanara.

I was thrilled to meet up with our dear Taino sister Koai Ku in attendance.

Our sister Vanessa Inarunukia showed up with a number of members of the Taino women's group BOHIO ATA BEY.

She proceeded to spend much of the time she was there leading us in sacred songs.

many of the songs she shared with us are from the Bohio Ata Bey.

The whole event culminated in a great communion of food contributed by the participants themselves.

In behalf of myself, the friends with whom I attended this event and the CANEY INDIGENOUS SPIRITUAL CIRCLE which I represent I want to express my gratitude to Kasike Mukaro and those who collaborated with him for providing this opportunity to our people to come together in this way and pray and share.