Across the Caribbean, there is growing interest in the historical, cultural, and genetic legacies of Native peoples. In increasing numbers, individuals, families, and organizations are affirming their Native ancestry and identifying themselves as Taíno. In the exhibition titled Taíno: Native Heritage and Identity in the Caribbean (link), visitors can explore the rural roots of the Taíno movement and find information about the legacy of Native peoples throughout the Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands and their U.S. diasporas.

On 8 September 2018, the Smithsonian hosted an symposium to celebrate the exhibition Taíno: Native Heritage and Identity in the Caribbean. Experts representing Indigenous studies, genetic science, anthropology, linguistics, and other academic disciplines explored exhibition themes in dialogue with Taíno/Indigenous Caribbean community leaders and cultural workers.

NEXUS 1492 researcher dr. Hannes Schroeder (University of Copenhagen) was invited to speak at the symposium as the specialist on ancient DNA research techniques, with regards to the article published earlier this year, titled “Origins and genetic legacies of the Caribbean Taino”

NEXUS team members Pauline Kulstad, Angus Martin and Tibisay Sankatsing Nava attended the symposium and exhibition opening.