One of the wonderful aspects of the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA) is that the Member Chiefs of FANA have a voice and a way to have their events posted on behalf of their tribes and organizations. One of those events was the Areito 250 Indigenous Caribbean Cultural Celebration held in the library of the Rhode Island State House on March 3, 2026. The evening aligned with RI250 themes of freedom, survival, civic participation, and historical reckoning while connecting Indigenous Caribbean heritage to Black History Month and Dominican Independence Day. Click here for a 37-minute video of portions of the event. Click here for the entire event recorded by Capitol TV.

Hosted by the Cibuco Bayamón Taíno Tribe, the program centered on Indigenous voices through an opening blessing, a presentation by event organizer Chief Joel Rosario Tapia (Chief Tureygua), a civic panel with tribal chiefs and State Representative José F. Batista, and formal citations from Lt. Governor Sabina Matos.

(Above, left) Panel moderator and healing ceremony guide Violeta Aycayia Nanichi Cruz Del Valle introduces Narragansett Chief Raymond Two Hawks Watson (center) along with panel members (right) Rhode Island American Indian Heritage Commission Project Coordinator Jacqueline Runs Strong McKinney, State Rep. Batista, and Chief of the Baitoa Magua Yaque Taino Tribe, Eric Mercado .

Lydia Perez Yoruba 2 (drumming on the right) introduces a traditional Bomba dance presented by members of the Puerto Rican Institute for Arts & Advocacy.