THE MAYA-WE NATION
Maya-We Nation: An Indigenous Government Rooted in Taíno Continuity
The Maya-We Nation is a modern Indigenous government formed to preserve and uphold the living legacy of the Taíno-Arawak peoples, whose ancestral presence spans across Borikén (Puerto Rico), the Virgin Islands, and the wider Caribbean.
Guided by ancestral principles and international Indigenous rights law, our nation represents a people bound by shared values, cultural memory, and the will to govern in harmony with our traditions. We are not simply reclaiming a name—we are reactivating a nationhood.
The Virgin Islands, known to us as a cradle of Taíno lifeways, remain a cornerstone of our cultural identity. It is from this foundation that our Nation recognizes its ancestral kinship with other Taíno communities, including those who have since been formally acknowledged by U.S. territorial authorities, such as the Guainía Taíno Tribe of the United States Virgin Islands. Our cultural alignment with such communities is not recent or political—it reflects the continuity of Indigenous kinship systems that have endured beyond colonization, and which today are recognized under Article 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
As an Indigenous Nation who is self-governing, the Maya-We Nation operates in accordance with:
-
UNDRIP, which recognizes our right to maintain distinct political, legal, economic, social, and cultural institutions (Articles 3–5),
-
U.S. legal precedent recognizing the inherent sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, even those not federally recognized (e.g., Montoya v. United States, 180 U.S. 261 (1901)),
-
And customary international law, which affirms Indigenous nations’ rights to define their own membership and form diplomatic relationships.
Our Purpose
We stand not in search of permission, but in rightful expression of an identity that predates borders. Our national departments—including cultural preservation, public health, education, law enforcement, and diplomatic engagement—function under the guiding ethos of the Maya-We Principles: dignity, honor, and collective stewardship.
We invite the global community, other Indigenous nations, and state governments to engage with us in mutual respect, and to honor the frameworks already in place that protect our rights to self-determination and lawful governance.
Discover the Vibrant Heritage of the Taíno Community
Step into the extraordinary journey of the Taíno people—a story woven with resilience, strength, and an unbreakable bond to our ancestral roots. For centuries, our culture has faced challenges, yet we have endured, preserving the traditions, wisdom, and spirit that define who we are.
Join us in celebrating the rich history and vibrant heritage of the Taíno community. From our sacred connection to the Earth to the timeless practices of storytelling, art, and spirituality, we honor the ways of our ancestors while paving the way for future generations. Together, we are revitalizing our identity, reclaiming our place in the global narrative, and ensuring that the heart of Taíno culture continues to thrive.
Be a part of this incredible journey. Let us stand united in the mission to preserve, protect, and celebrate the beauty and strength of the Taíno people for generations to come. The story of our past is the foundation of our future, and with your support, it will never fade. Explore, learn, and connect with the vibrant spirit of the Taíno today.
Our Mission: Strength Through Unity, Legacy Through Action
At the heart of the Maya-We Nation lies a powerful mission: to build a community grounded in ancestral wisdom and uplifted by values that guide us forward—kindness, respect, responsibility, hard work, and joy. These are not just ideals; they are the living heartbeat of our people and the foundation upon which our future stands.
Our journey is one of empowerment, healing, and cultural restoration. With every step, we honor the enduring legacy of the Taíno people—especially those whose roots trace back to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico—by fostering a strong and united nation rooted in our collective memory and shared purpose.
Through kindness, we nurture compassion and solidarity within our community. With respect, we safeguard the sacredness of our traditions and uplift the dignity of every person. Responsibility anchors our leadership and decisions, always with future generations in mind. Hard work drives our resilience and innovation. And joy—the sacred expression of our spirit—reminds us why we continue this path with hope and pride.
The Maya-We Nation is more than an idea—it is a living expression of Taíno survival, resurgence, and self-determination. We are dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for education, cultural revitalization, nation-building, and sustainable growth, so that our people not only survive but thrive.
We do this not alone, but together—with our kin, allies, and citizens—guided by a belief that the legacy of our ancestors is the blueprint for a better future. United in purpose, we invite all who share in this vision to walk with us, as we build a nation where dignity, honor, and joy light the way forward.
Our Leadership
The Maya-We Nation is led by Chief Samael Ojeda Mercado, Guardian of the Iron Feather Accord and the Nation's highest authority. Chief Ojeda Mercado is the indigenous sovereign head and International Tribal Marshal of the Maya-We Nation. He is supported by the founding Cacike Family, whose Taíno-Arawak lineage in Puerto Rico is both historically documented and culturally preserved, reflecting traditional governance among Caribbean Indigenous peoples.
Chief, Samael Ojeda Mercado
Kasike, Samael " Itiabo Guaraguao" Ojeda Mercado
The Department of Diplomatic and International Affairs is headed by Chief Samael’s sister, Nitaino- Bianca Rosado Mercado, also known ceremonially as "Strong-Wind." She serves as the Nation's principal overseer of foreign affairs, Indigenous diplomacy, and international relations. As well as Nitaino-Margarita Ledesma "Guai-Mina", member of Coucil of Will.
Nitaino- Ambassador Michael P. Legacy is a respected member of the Council of Will and Head of Missions Organization in the Maya-We Nation’s Connecticut offices. Together, this leadership ensures that national operations uphold diplomatic dignity, cultural indigenous sovereignty, and Indigenous governance in accordance with international law.
