About Us
30+ years preserving the living culture and traditions of the Taíno people of Borikén.
Who We Are
"We are the Concilio Taíno Guatu-Ma-cu A Borikén — a nonprofit corporation founded in 1992, dedicated to preserving, teaching, and restoring the culture, traditions, and spirituality of the Taíno people. With 501(c)(3) federal recognition since 2007, our work reaches thousands of students, families, and communities across the island."
Our History
The Concilio Taíno was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving, teaching, and restoring the culture, traditions, and spirituality of the Taíno people.
In 2007, the Concilio Taíno achieved federal recognition as a 501(c)(3) organization, enabling expansion of its educational and cultural preservation programs.
Leadership
Cacike Caciba Opil
Our Cacike Caciba Opil (Martín D. Veguilla) is an official consultant of Taíno traditions recognized by the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture (ICP). With over 30 years dedicated to preserving Taíno culture, the Cacike has worked with educational, governmental, and community institutions to restore ancestral knowledge.
Taíno Identity & DNA Research
The groundbreaking research of Dr. Juan Carlos Martínez Cruzado (University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, 2000) has scientifically demonstrated the presence of Taíno mitochondrial DNA in the Puerto Rican population.
This revolutionary study used mitochondrial DNA analysis to trace the maternal ancestry of Puerto Ricans, revealing that approximately 15-20% of the population has direct Taíno ancestry. The findings confirm the biological and cultural continuity of the Taíno people on the island of Borikén.
Our Community
Every face in our community represents a story of resilience, heritage, and Taíno pride. Our members come from all ages and walks of life.
