A Genesis Through An Exodus
I could never imagine looking in the mirror one morning and seeing the strong features of a people that the so-called experts and historians have declared to be extinct – yet Divinity and Nature would prove otherwise. No scientist could ever deny the obvious and no ill-written history book could explain away a person’s strong intuition regarding their heritage and true cultural identity.
Such is the story, legacy and spiritual journey of the now living legend Maekiaphan Phillips, local Kasike and matriarch whose determination and dedication to preservation of Taino culture is the stuff of legends, as the expression goes and you can capture a relative snippet of her exploration and research in the recently released documentary, We Are Taino. Her journey begins with her great grandmother Francisca Almestica, who was kidnapped as a fourteen year old girl from her native Vieques – largely of Boricua Taino ancestry – and taken to Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands to harvest salt for the Abbott family. The brief, emotive film touches on Mrs. Phillips installed as the first female Taino Kasike in the immediate region in over a century which is quite deserving and historical as she is currently one of three indigenous Caribbean female chieftains in the famous island chain. It also covers her decade-long push to have the Tainos recognized as a microcosmic nation within the Territory of the United States Virgin Islands, by its government, in connection with the Guiano Taino Federation in Puerto Rico under the leadership of Kasike Roberto Mukaro Agueibana Borrero.
On Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. AST, A little over a hundred extended family members, friends, fans, supporters, historians and artisans converged on Fort Christian to view the screening of the beautifully filmed and scripted documentary featuring Maekiaphan and her lovely family and a few local and regional luminaries and landmarks. The team from WTJX shared that the film would air on their YouTube channel on March 25, 2025 for the public’s viewing pleasure. In the ensuing panel discussion which featured Sean Krigger, the lady herself, Kasike Maekiaphan and her son, local photographer Emmanuel Phillips, who entered a variety of questions and comments from the very engaged audience.
The meeting discussed the progress and challenges of preserving and promoting Taino culture. Key points included the use of digital resources for cultural exchange, the significance of female leadership in tribal roles, and the annual meeting of chiefs in July. The conversation also covered the process of federal recognition, the importance of teaching native languages to children, and the creation of a Taino dictionary available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.
Additionally, the discussion highlighted the need for DNA testing to trace ancestry and the establishment of historical districts to preserve indigenous heritage. The meeting concluded with encouragement for continued efforts in cultural preservation and language revitalization. Emmanuel added that there are plans to make a longer version of director’s cut of their story and they are considering a docu-series that will delve deeper into the process, focusing on the younger generation and the customs being relearned. This is just the beginning of a larger project.
Maekiaphan: She’s Your Queen to Be…
Who is Maekiaphan Phillips? She is best known as an Indigenous rights activist and nonprofit executive from the U.S. Virgin Islands. As previously mentioned, she serves as the Kasike (chief) of the Guainía Taíno Tribe of the Virgin Islands. Phillips is also the founder and president of Opi’a Taino International, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and promoting the cultural heritage of the Taíno, Arawak, and Kalinago peoples.Phillips is known for her advocacy work, community engagement, and dedication to preserving Indigenous history and culture.
…And A Proud Mama
I find the most beautiful part of this story is the support Kasike Maekiaphan receives from her husband and children and grandchildren, with special mention going to her son Emmanuel Phillips, a local celebrity in his own right. He serves as a member of the Opi’a Taino International Inc. through which his family participates in various community engagement initiatives including cultural education and advocacy. The family is also known for music production, videos and hosting a weekly Facebook live show called, “Live with the Phive”, which addresses important social issues and promotes community well-being.
Additionally, Emmanuel is also a very talented photographer and burgeoning filmmaker. He is known for capturing and transforming historically stereotyped elements into stunning images that celebrate Black culture and heritage. His photography often features family members and explores themes of identity and beauty. He has quite the eye for great imagery and we look forward to even greater work as he expounds on his family’s rich, cultural heritage and legacy, linking the past, present and future of the Taino presence in the Virgin Islands.
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