HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF TAÍNO DESCENDANTS IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

H8221

2026 -- H 8221
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LC005197
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
RECOGNIZING THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF TAÍNO DESCENDANTS IN THE
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Representatives Batista, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kennedy,
Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Fellela, Diaz, and Fogarty

Date Introduced:
March 03, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, The residents of the State of Rhode Island of Taíno heritage represent a
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diverse cultural community in our state; and
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WHEREAS, The Taíno are the Indigenous people of Borikén and other Caribbean
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Islands, with a rich cultural heritage, language, and traditions; and
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WHEREAS, Members of several Taíno tribal communities, including the Cibuco
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Bayamón Taíno Tribe, the Baramaya Guainía Yukayeke, and the Baitoa Magua Yaque Taíno,
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reside in and contribute to communities across the State of Rhode Island through cultural
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preservation, education, and community engagement; and
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WHEREAS, The Taíno People contributed historically and culturally to the rich and
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vibrant history of Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, Taíno-identifying residents of Rhode Island are part of a broader Taíno
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Diaspora and contribute to the cultural diversity of the state through education, community
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engagement, and cultural preservation; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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acknowledges the presence and partnership of the Rhode Island American Indian Heritage
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Commission, and the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas, whose members
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represent the continued survival and resurgence of Taíno heritage in the region; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That this House furthermore recognizes Taíno heritage and acknowledges
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the presence and contributions of Taíno-descended residents within the state, ensuring that their

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heritage is recognized and preserved for future generations while fostering a greater
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understanding of their historical and ongoing contributions to the State of Rhode Island; and be it
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further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified resolution to the Taíno community representatives in Rhode Island.
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LC005197
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