Preserving the past for future generations

The First Nations of the Caribbean, the Native Caribbean, are the indigenous peoples who resided in the basin for millennia prior to the arrival of Columbus. There are over 200 Nations/Tribes that currently reside in the area. Our history and culture are intertwined, and though many languages flourish in the region, there is a commonality between all groups. Though we share similarities with our North American counterparts, there are notable differences. We at the Council of Native Caribbean Heritage (C.O.N.C.H) are a federation of indigenous communities that seek to form ties with one another to help solve the complex problems that our communities face. We are currently active in the following indigenous communities: Guantanamo Cuba: Yateras and the city proper (Cuban Taino); Wakapoa Village in Guayana (Lokono); Yukayeke Agüeyní in Ciales, Puerto Rico (Boriqua Taino). Currently we are a Non-Governmental Organization that work within three distinct indigenous communities. We seek to create projects that will foster food sovereignty, Grant Warriors (individuals who know how to locate grants offered to indigenous communities, and apply to them), cultural identity retention (language preservation, supporting the continuity of cultural practices, etc).