Run TAÍNO Run!!! Yamayeka!!!
The intercontinental Peace and Dignity Journeys, PDJ, are spiritual Runs that were initiated in response to a prophecy regarding the Eagle and the Condor. They are an initiative of Elders who saw spiritual running as a vehicle to reunite the nations of the Americas i. e. Turtle Island. It is said that Elders from North, Central and South America remembered and talked about a prophecy that foretold how indigenous peoples would come together again and reunite as one. The Peace and Dignity Journeys, have helped many different indigenous groups to start this journey for unity which is necessary for the healing of our nations.
Starting in 1992 indigenous groups from all over organized themselves as runners of the North or the South under the auspices of the Eagle or the Condor. In 2008, discerning elders, based on ancestral knowledge and teachings, further refined the Run to acknowledge the specific insights and medicines that the Red Tail Hawk, that represents the East, could bring to the run. This inclusion of the Route of the Red Tail Hawk opened the door for the participation of Taíno and other indigenous Caribbean peoples to join the Run. The Runs are held every 4 years,
Sankofie, with the guidance of Bibi Inaru Pastrano and PDJ Caribbean & NY East Coast Regions/ Bohío Atabei participated in the Peace and Dignity Journeys for the very first time in 2016. From New York City in July to Panama in November, more than 5,382 miles through 8 countries, for more than four (4) months runners, from the Caribbean region and indeed the world, participated in the seventh (7th) Peace and Dignity Journey. Jamaica participated with two runners. The Run has also seen participation from other Caribbean spaces such as Boriken (Puerto Rico), Kiskeya (Dominican Republic) and Cuba.
Run TAÍNO Run!!! Yamayeka!!! was spawned from Jamaica’s participation in this 2016 intercontinental Peace and Dignity Journey. For Jamaica and Jamaicans Run TAÍNO Run!!! Yamayeka!!! is an opportunity to bring focus to our past and present Taíno people and the fountain of knowledge that resides with them. As an in-country spiritual Run it will help to increase our own knowledge and understanding of the Taíno culture and heritage in Jamaica, meet and run with others of like minds as a collective experience, establish networks for future work and learning, explore how indigenous, especially Taíno, perspectives can serve Jamaica in our quest for growth and prosperity and help in how we, as Jamaicans, see ourselves and claim identity.
Our Runs feature runners carrying staffs (Grandfathers) infused with prayers from themselves, families and communities, visit to Taíno sacred sites, schools, communities and the sharing of information with media and others. Runners are recruited both locally and abroad and we invite individuals, groups and all those who are interested in promoting and strengthening indigenous ways in and out of Jamaica to participate in this event. In honouring the first peoples of Jamaica, we also put out to the universe, prayers for appeasement and healing of their and our spirits.
Run TAÍNO Run!!! Yamayeka!!!2021 was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.