BTF Returns to Jayuya for the 28th Annual Jornada Indígena Taína in Partnership with El Tribu Yuke de Borikè
- Alexandria Cruz
- Aug 13, 2024
- 3 min read
BTF presents community education on ancestral practices, medicine and history
The Borikua Taíno Foundation returned to Jayuya this year to participate in the 28th Annual Jornada Indígena Taína, hosted by El Tribu Yuke de Borikè. This annual event is held at the sacred ceremonial grounds in Jayuya and gathers community members, elders, and youth in celebration of Taíno culture, heritage, and resistance. It was our second year participating, and we were honored to support our relatives by helping sponsor community education sessions and participating in the opening ceremonies.
What is the Jornada Indígena Taína?
The Jornada is a multiday cultural gathering hosted each year around Indigenous Peoples' Day. Founded and led by Taino elder Margarita “Kuku-ya” Nogueras Vidal of El Tribu Yuke de Borikè, the Jornada creates a yearly space for ceremonial gathering and cultural reclamation. Over the course of the Jornada Indígena Taína weekend, participants gathered at the sacred ceremonial grounds in Jayuya for a series of community-led workshops, rituals, and cultural exchanges. Events included ceremonial dances, traditional drum circles, youth education, and plant medicine teachings. Elders and knowledge keepers guided attendees in spiritual practice and cultural revitalization, while artisans and educators hosted sessions on topics like Taíno language, symbology, foodways, and traditional medicine. The weekend served as a powerful affirmation of Indigenous presence in Boriken, intergenerational learning, and the ongoing reclamation of Borikua identity through collective action and ceremony. Brandon Ruiz joined community members from across the island and diaspora to share teachings and reconnect with land, culture, and one another:
Medicinal Plants of Borikén
Brandon of Yucayeke Farms led a guided walk and workshop on the medicinal and culinary uses of Indigenous plants. The class focused on plants like Higüera, Ausubo, Ceiba, Añil, and Guayaba. Brandon shared:
“Many of these plants also have a connection to our traditional folklore and Indigenous storytelling and have been preserved as sacred plants for generations, like the Ceiba Tree. We tasted Cundeamor leaves, Guayaba fruit, and learned how to identify, prepare, and use the plants according to Indigenous traditions.”
Art, Symbology, and Youth Engagement
Annette Blasini Batista (Borikua - Yucayeque Yagueca, and Cuban), founder of Galería Casa Boriké, led a children’s workshop on Taíno symbology, spirituality, and ancestral art. Her session offered a space for curiosity and cultural reflection:
“A 9-year-old asked me if we dress like this every day? How do we do this in real life? I told her—we can dress how we like, but we honor our ancestors this way.”
Traditional Achiote (Bixa) Practices
Daniella Olan (Borikua Taíno - Yucayeke Otoao/Guaynia of El Tribu Yuke de Borikè) offered a hands-on workshop on how to prepare cold-pressed Achiote oil, used for both food and spiritual practice:
“I really enjoyed giving space for the elders in the community and hearing how everyone uses Achiote. Everyone got a sample to take home. It was beautiful to see people’s eyes light up when they learned new ways to use Bixa and shared their generational knowledge.”
Overall, Jornada Indígena Taína affirms the strength and resilience of Borikua Taíno communities and the importance of creating spaces where culture is practiced, shared, and renewed across generations. We are moved by the warmth of those who worked together in community to bring the event together and are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this intergenerational exchange once again.
A heartfelt message from El Tribu Yuke on Facebook:
“Mabuika (Greetings) Guatiao, Your visit and participation in the Jornada #28 filled us with so much joy. The love and blessing of the Creator and of Mother Earth is and will be with you and in your lives always. You are always welcome. Hajom (Thank you) for your presence and connection. With Love, Tribu Yuke, Aracoeles (Elders) and Family”
The members of the Yuke Tribe of Borikè welcome you to the Taíno Indigenous Day , to be celebrated in the sacred ceremonial center of Jayuya, Borikè. We carry out the administration and care of the ceremonial center together with the Municipality of Jayuya. We also offer guidance and support to those interested in learning more about our traditions.
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