Exploring Taíno Heritage with MIT Terrascope and Diné College at Centro Cultural de Jayuya Alberto Suárez

A Journey Through Borikén’s Past and Present

Central to our visit in Boriken was our trip to Centro Cultural de Jayuya Alberto Suárez, we had the honor of welcoming the leaders and students from the MIT Terrascope and  Diné College to the island and acting as ambassadors to our history and future. This cultural exchange provided an opportunity to connect across Indigenous and academic communities, deepening our shared understanding of history, and tradition, and shaping the future of Native focused sustainability on the island.

Alexandria Cruz, Board Secretary of the Borikua Taino Foundation, and Brandon Ruiz of Yucayeke Farms warmly welcomed the group. Together, they invited visitors to explore the center’s exhibits, introducing them to the treasures within its walls. The center, situated in the heart of Jayuya, offers a glimpse into the vibrant Indigenous culture and history of Borikén.

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Inside, the group discovered original paintings depicting the colonial era in Boriken, offering stark and artistic insights into the island’s complex past. The exhibits also featured flyers, zines, photographs, and memorabilia from past Taíno events, including highlights from the Festival Indígena de Jayuya, a celebration that has been a cornerstone of cultural pride for 54 years. Additionally, the center’s collection of Taíno artifacts—tools, bowls, carvings, and relics—provided a tangible connection to the life and memory of Borikén’s first inhabitants.

Adjacent to the cultural center is the Tumba del Indio Puertorriqueño, a monument honoring Taíno heritage and the final resting place of one of our ancestors reflecting traditional burial practices. Unveiled in 1969 during the first Festival of the Taíno in Jayuya, the monument features a bust of the Taíno leader Hayuya, sculpted by renowned Puerto Rican artist Tomás Batista. The site also includes a mausoleum symbolically housing the remains of a Taíno individual.

About Centro Cultural de Jayuya Alberto Suárez

Established in 1965, the Centro Cultural de Jayuya Alberto Suárez is a cultural and historical hub dedicated to preserving the heritage of Jayuya and the Taíno people. Named after Alberto Suárez Martínez, a prominent community figure and advocate for cultural preservation, the center offers a rich array of programs and exhibits that celebrate the history and traditions of the region. The center plays a vital role in promoting Jayuya’s artistic and cultural identity, hosting events, exhibitions, and educational activities that connect past and present. Additionally, as the home of the annual Festival Indígena de Jayuya, the center is central to the community's efforts to maintain and share its cultural practices with the world.