$From Hammocks to Hurricanes: Ta\u00edno Influence on Language & Culture$

Join us as we explore the inspiring efforts of Taíno descendants who are revitalizing their linguistic and cultural heritage.
About this Event

Did you know that you speak Taíno? From the hammocks we relax in and the foods we enjoy, to everyday words and even blockbuster films like Avatar, the Taíno Indigenous people's influence is all around us—yet many Americans have never heard of Taíno! As the first Indigenous Americans of contact in 1492, the Taíno have a profound, yet often overlooked, linguistic legacy that continues to shape our world today.

Join us as we explore the inspiring efforts of Taíno descendants who are revitalizing their linguistic and cultural heritage through language-learning apps, 3D printed robots, virtual classrooms and conferences, and other innovative technologies that help new generations reconnect to their cultural roots and remove educational barriers, making the Taíno language accessible worldwide.

Priscilla Colón, Founder of Casa Areyto and Co-chair of Ad-hoc Group 1 for UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages, will lead this interactive presentation on the Taíno origins of many words, foods, and traditions that continue to shape our culture today. She will also highlight the remarkable projects driving the resurgence of the Taíno language and expanding awareness across cultures and continents. A Q&A session will follow, offering a deeper dive into this vibrant movement.