Maekiaphan Phillips

Maekiphan Phillips
Born	Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Occupation(s)	Kasike, nonprofit executive
Known for	Indigenous rights activism
Children	12

Maekiaphan Phillips is a U.S. Virgin Islander Indigenous rights activist and nonprofit executive serving as the kasike of the Guainía Taíno Tribe of the Virgin Islands, a nonprofit organization for self-identified Taíno descendants. She is the founder and president of the nonprofit Opi'a Taino International, Inc. In 2021, due largely to her efforts, the US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. issued a proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day which included a recognition of the organization.

Early life

Phillips is great-granddaughter of Francisca Almestica Delgado and the granddaughter of Bellencita Almestica. According to Phillips, her great-grandmother, at the age of 14, was kidnapped from Vieques, Puerto Rico by the pirate James Abbott. Almestica Delgado was brought to Salt Island, British Virgin Islands where she later had children with an African man.

Career

Phillips, her husband Tesroy Phillips, and their 12 children have worked towards federal tribal recognition. Phillips established and serves as the president of the nonprofit Opi'a Taino International, Inc. an organization that aims to restore the cultural heritage, raise awareness of, and educate about the Taíno, Arawak, and Kalinago peoples.

In 2012, Phillips became kasike of the Guainía Taíno Tribe of the Virgin Islands. That year, she lectured on the Taíno culture at the Virgin Islands Humanities Council’s center. In March 2016, Phillips testified in support of Indigenous cultural protections to the culture, historic preservation, youth, and recreation committee of the legislature of the Virgin Islands. She also shared details on her own background. In 2017, Phillips hosted a pow wow in Saint Thomas on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

After Hurricane Irma, Phillips and Opi'a Taino, Inc. served free meals. She worked for the nonprofit All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response and led efforts to rebuild after Hurricane Maria. Phillips converted her home kitchen into a commercial kitchen to feed 50 to 80 people daily.

In June 2021, after an almost 10-year campaign led by Phillips, governor Albert Bryan signed a proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day which included a recognition of the Guainía Taíno Tribe of the Virgin Islands. The proclamation states that the tribe can “...establish eligibility for federal health benefits, federal education benefits, housing benefits, job training, land use, and the right to engage in traditional religious practices and ceremonies.“ In April 2022, she led outreach to those with Taíno ancestry and accepts oral stories and DNA testing as part of the process for joining the organization. Phillips has advocated for the creation of a tourist destination, a preserved area on Saint Thomas to be used as a batey.

References

Bibliography

• Carlson, Suzanne (March 9, 2016). "Senators mull bill on indigenous cultural protections". The Virgin Islands Daily News. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
• Pelletiere, Nicole (March 20, 2018). "6 months after hurricanes Maria and Irma, local heroes continue to rebuild communities". ABC News. Retrieved 2022-05-09 – via Good Morning America.
• Roberts, Amy H. (February 2, 2021). "Taino Today, Part 2: Phillips Seeks to Raise Awareness of Taino Ancestry". St. John Source. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
• Roberts, Amy H. (April 6, 2022). "USVI Taino Chief Seeks Members". St. Thomas Source. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
• "St. Thomas Ceremony Commemorates World Indigenous People". St. Croix Source. August 10, 2017. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
• "Opi a Taino brings lunch to East Enders". The Virgin Islands Daily News. September 13, 2017. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
• "Exhibit Teaches Virgin Islanders about Taino Culture". VI Source Network. July 22, 2012. Retrieved 2022-05-09.