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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