ABOUT US
SEEKING VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS AND LEADERS WHO WILL BE COMMITTED TO HELPING US GROW
Humanitarianism: The Core of Our Mission
​
T.A.I.N.O. was established to serve as a national organizing and unifying body for Taíno descendant communities whose existence, survival, and identity were historically denied through colonization, enslavement, forced assimilation, and racial erasure. We view this as a genuine humanitarian effort to continue empowering our ancestors and living descendants.
​
We recognize that the absence of federal recognition does not negate Indigenous identity—but that recognition remains essential for justice, protection, and permanence under U.S. law.
OUR PURPOSE:
​
Our purpose is to unify Taíno organizations, cultural groups, families, and advocates under a shared framework that advances education, restores truth, and collectively pursues U.S. Federal Tribal Recognition through lawful, historically defensible, and coalition-based strategies.
​
T.A.I.N.O. does not claim federal or state tribal recognition, does not assert or exercise sovereign authority, and does not operate or represent any government-approved or sanctioned tribal enrollment system. Any voluntary self-identification or community enrollment supported by T.A.I.N.O. is conducted solely for cultural, educational, historical, and community-building purposes, and is intended to support—rather than replace or preempt—any future federally recognized and officially sanctioned tribal registry should such recognition and sovereignty be lawfully attained.
​
We are an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization actively advocating for Federal Tribal Recognition, not prematurely declaring it. Our approach prioritizes unity over division, truth over titles, and collective advancement over gatekeeping.
​
Taíno identity is rooted in ancestry, family history, cultural continuity, and lived experience, not blood quantum thresholds or exclusionary enrollment systems. T.A.I.N.O. rejects gatekeeping practices that fragment our people and instead embraces inclusive, historically grounded self-identification.
​
This inclusive approach strengthens our vision and amplifies the voices of those we represent. In Many cases, some forget the importance and significance of Allyship. Here at T.AI.N.O., we recognize that allyship is not only a necessary ingredient but also significant to our organizational success. We support, promote, and accept Allyship.
​
We envision a future where the Arawak Taino can thrive and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society by fostering partnerships within our community and among our allies. Together, we are building a legacy of resilience, justice, and unity that transcends boundaries and empowers generations to come.
​
Councils:
​
Taíno Ancestral & Cultural Councils are known in Taíno history. The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) Within the United States legal system, Taíno Ancestral Councils, also known as Cultural or Heritage Councils, are currently recognized as non-sovereign cultural bodies established to preserve, educate, and honor the historical, geographic, and ancestral legacy of the Taíno people throughout the Caribbean and its diaspora, as we collectively work toward hopeful U.S. Federal Tribal Recognition.
From a U.S. legal perspective, these councils do not represent tribes, do not assert sovereignty, and do not claim governmental or federally recognized tribal authority. Each council exists strictly as a cultural, historical, and educational structure operating independently under other similar organizations or under T.A.I.N.O.
​
These Councils are established to:
Preserve and share Taíno history, traditions, and cultural knowledge.
​
Honor pre-contact Taíno cacicazgos (chiefdoms) and ancestral homelands.
​
Create spaces for education, cultural continuity, and historical recognition.
​
Support lineage awareness without exclusion, hierarchy, or political authority.
​
Each council reflects historical geography and ancestral continuity, not sovereignty. (Some do reflect and claim sovereignty, but only under the laws of a country, not under the U.S.)
​
Recognized Taíno Ancestral & Cultural Councils
Foundational Councils (Greater Hispaniola Sphere)-
Guainía Ancestral Council
Represents ancestral Taíno regions associated with eastern Hispaniola
Honors historic population centers and regional continuity
Focuses on lineage, migration, and cultural preservation
Maguaná Cultural Council
Associated with one of the most powerful Taíno cacicazgos of Hispaniola
Honors governance, leadership traditions, and resistance history
Emphasizes historical accuracy and cultural education
Higüey Heritage Council
Represents the eastern coastal region of Hispaniola
Reflects maritime traditions, inter-island trade, and coastal settlement. Focuses on cultural resilience and continuity.
Puerto Rico (Borikén) Ancestral Councils
Puerto Rico (Borikén) was historically organized into multiple Taíno cacicazgos and settlement regions. The following councils reflect documented ancestral geography, not modern political boundaries.
Borikén Central Ancestral Council
Represents the central mountainous region of Puerto Rico
Associated with inland settlements, agriculture, and ceremonial centers
Emphasizes social structure and community life.
Caguana Cultural Council
Connected to the Utuado–Jayuya region
Named after the Caguana Ceremonial Center
Focuses on spiritual practices, petroglyphs, and ceremonial heritage.
Arecibo Coastal Heritage Council
Represents northwestern coastal Borikén
Reflects fishing communities and maritime trade networks
Emphasizes ocean knowledge and survival practices
Bayamón–Toa River Ancestral Council
Associated with the Toa River basin
Highlights agriculture, river-based settlements, and early resistance
Recognizes the importance of waterways in Taíno life
Guaynia–Yauco Southern Heritage Council
Represents southwestern Puerto Rico
Associated with migration, resistance, and survival
Focuses on long-term cultural continuity in southern Borikén
Loíza Ancestral Continuity Council
Represents the northeastern coastal region
Recognizes documented Taíno survival and Afro-Indigenous intersections, emphasizing resilience, blending, and continuity.
​
U.S. Virgin Islands (Eastern Taíno Sphere)
​
The Taíno presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands is well documented archaeologically and historically, particularly on St. Croix and in the surrounding maritime corridors.
Ay-Ay Ancestral Council (St. Croix)
Named after the Ay-Ay archaeological site
Represents ancestral Taíno communities of St. Croix
Focuses on migration, trade, and eastern Taíno cultural exchange
Virgin Passage Cultural Council
Represents the maritime corridor between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
Emphasizes canoe travel, inter-island kinship, and trade routes
Recognizes the Virgin Islands as part of the Greater Taíno world.
Legal & Structural Clarification
Taíno Ancestral and Cultural Councils are non-sovereign cultural bodies established to preserve, educate, and honor the traditions, history, and geographic legacy of pre-contact Taíno cacicazgos. These councils do not exercise political authority, sovereignty, or tribal governance.
Any Active Councils under T.A.I.N.O. :
Hold no independent U.S. legal or political authority.
Do not issue tribal enrollment, citizenship, or legal recognition under U.S. law, and exist for educational, cultural, and historical purposes only.
​
Membership, Lineage & Identity (Without Gatekeeping)
Participation in T.A.I.N.O. is open to individuals who self-identify as having Taíno or broader Arawak descent, supported by one or more of the following:
Family oral history
Geographic ancestral connection
Cultural continuity or lived cultural practice
Historical records, when available
Explicit Principle
​
T.A.I.N.O. does not claim authority to determine blood quantum, genetic purity, or exclusive Taíno identity.
Arawak Taino clothing primarily consists of lioncloths for men and aprons of cotton or palm fibers. Both sexes painted themselves and wore earrings. (Britannica)
At T.A.I.N.O, we value a wide range of skills and expertise. We always seek individuals passionate about Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and social justice. Some of the skills that we value include community organizing, event planning, advocacy, fundraising, and grant writing.
Board Members
Call for Board Members: Join the Movement to Preserve and Empower the Taino People
​
Are you passionate about cultural preservation, Indigenous justice, and educational empowerment?
T.A.I.N.O. (Taino American Indigenous National Organization) is now recruiting dedicated, visionary, and community-driven individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. As we build our presence as a nationally recognized nonprofit, our mission remains clear: to awaken, preserve, and elevate the identity and rights of the Arawak Taino people and their descendants across the United States.
We seek leaders with expertise in the following areas:
Director of Indigenous & Cultural Affairs
Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer
Director of Education & Youth Initiatives
Director of Governance and Tribal Affairs
Director of Fundraising and Development
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Alliances
Other Executive Leadership positions
Executive Board Student Intern- Non-Voting (2 available)
​
Board Member Expectations:
Uphold and advocate for the mission, vision, and values of T.A.I.N.O.
Attend quarterly board meetings (virtual or in-person) and key events.
Participate in strategic planning, fundraising efforts, and committee service.
Support the advancement of T.A.I.N.O as a credible, culturally centered, nonprofit force for change.
Why Join Us?
You will be part of a transformational initiative reclaiming our people's truth, building cultural bridges, and helping ensure Taino heritage is honored, respected, and known throughout history and modern society.
If you believe in empowering Indigenous voices, we invite you to apply as a volunteer or Student Intern. Click HERE to Apply
Community Organizer
At T.A.I.N.O., we work to empower and organize the Arawak (Taino, Lokono, Karib, Wayuu, Boriken, and other known Bands of the Arawak-speaking nation) Indigenous communities living in the United States and its territories. As a Community Organizer, you will work with our team to plan and implement events, workshops, and other activities that promote the recognition and preservation of our culture and traditions.
Founded in 900 BC, The Great Seal of The Taino. It depicts two branches surrounded by 24 leaves of the sacred Cojobana tree. It is the Sacred Badge of Authority according to the Taino and is indicative of tribal blood lineage.
