R 129
2026 -- S 2759
Enacted 03/03/2026

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N
RECOGNIZING THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF TAÍNO DESCENDANTS IN RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Acosta, Dimitri, Urso, Appollonio, Vargas, and Pearson

Date Introduced: March 03, 2026

     WHEREAS, The residents of this state of Taíno heritage merit recognition; and
     WHEREAS, Such residents serve a vital role in the state's diverse cultural fabric; and
     WHEREAS, The Taíno are the Indigenous people of Borikén and other Caribbean
Islands, with a rich cultural heritage, language, and traditions; and
     WHEREAS, Members of several Taíno tribal communities, including the Cibuco
Bayamón Taíno Tribe, the Baramaya Guainía Yukayeke, and the Baitoa Magua Yaque Taíno,
reside in and contribute to communities across the State of Rhode Island through cultural
preservation, education, and community engagement; and
     WHEREAS, The Taíno people contributed both historically and culturally to this state;
and
     WHEREAS, Taíno-identifying residents of Rhode Island are part of a broader Taíno
diaspora and contribute to the cultural diversity of the state through education, community
engagement, and cultural preservation; and
     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island acknowledges the presence and partnership of the
Rhode Island American Indian Heritage Commission, and the Federation of Aboriginal Nations
of the Americas, whose members represent the continued survival and resurgence of Taíno
heritage in the region; now, therefore, be it
     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes Taíno
heritage and acknowledges the presence and contributions of Taíno-descended residents within
the state, ensuring that their heritage is recognized and preserved for future generations while
fostering a greater understanding of their historical and ongoing contributions to the state; and be
it further
     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Taíno community representatives in Rhode
Island.
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LC004820
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