Preamble

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We, the People of the Maya-We Nation, descendants of the Taino-Arawak peoples of Borikén (Puerto Rico), the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the greater Caribbean archipelago, guided by ancestral wisdom and the vision of the Iron Feather Accord, do solemnly establish this Constitution. We affirm our sovereign status as a non-territorial Indigenous nation grounded in lawful kinship, international legal recognition, and the sacred right to govern ourselves in peace, dignity, and cultural continuity.

As caretakers of peace, resilience, and environmental stewardship, we uphold the principles of self-determination, Indigenous diplomacy, human rights, and global interdependence. This Constitution serves as our legal shield, spiritual compass, and cultural covenant for the preservation of our identity and protection of our diaspora across all lands.

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Section I: Foundational Principles

1. Sovereignty and Kinship Legitimacy
   The Maya-We Nation exists as the lawful continuation of the Taino-Arawak polity, rooted in pre-Columbian sovereignty and reestablished through kinship governance under customary international law. In accordance with 25 CFR § 83.11(d)(1), kinship ties to the federally recognized Guainía Taíno Tribe of the U.S. Virgin Islands affirm our legitimacy under U.S. Indian law.

2. Legal Recognition through Customary and International Law
   Our recognition is grounded in:

• UNDRIP Articles 3, 4, 5, and 36

• ICCPR Article 1

• U.S. Constitution Article VI (Supremacy Clause)

• Montevideo Convention (1933)

• Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)

• U.S. v. Lara, 541 U.S. 193 (2004)

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These instruments support our self-determination, diplomatic function, and right to govern in diaspora.

1. Non-Territorial Indigenous Nationhood
   The Maya-We Nation exercises lawful jurisdiction as a diaspora nation-state, composed of citizens residing in Puerto Rico, Connecticut, and global territories. Our legal structure functions in harmony with host jurisdictions and is protected by UN and inter-American legal norms.

2. Dual Citizenship Respect
   Citizens of the Maya-We Nation may lawfully retain dual citizenship. Our governance is non-conflicting, complementary, and subject to principles of mutual respect and sovereign dignity.

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Section II: The Iron Feather Accord

1. Historical Foundations
   Inspired by Guarocuya's ancestral vision, the Iron Feather Accord balances peace and preparedness. As "Children of the Feather," we are peacemakers, yet defenders of sacred life when required. The Accord is our supreme cultural doctrine.

2. Core Pillars

• Peaceful Diplomacy

• Resilient Defense

• Cultural Unity

• Ecological Stewardship

1. Legal and Governance Integration
   The Accord informs all law, policy, and diplomatic action. Departments are constitutionally mandated to enforce its ethical standards.

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Section III: Governance Structure

1. Office of the Chief
   The Chief serves as the Executive Head, primary diplomatic agent, and custodian of Indigenous law.

2. Council of Iron Will
   Legislative authority is vested in the Council, responsible for lawmaking and dispute resolution per traditional and international law.

3. Council of Wisdom
   Judicial functions reside in the Elders' Tribunal, which interprets the Constitution and oversees enforcement.

4. Departmental Governance
   Mandated offices include:

• Cultural Preservation

• Peacekeeping and Defense (MWNPD)

• Foreign Affairs & Diplomatic Services

• Environmental Stewardship

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Section IV: Bill of Rights

Human & Indigenous Rights

Every citizen is entitled to:

• Free speech, belief, and cultural expression

• Protection under national and international law

• Freedom from persecution or forced assimilation

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Environmental Rights

• Clean water, air, and land

• Protection of sacred ecological spaces

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Responsibilities

• Honor the Iron Feather Accord

• Uphold diplomatic non-aggression

• Support communal peace and cultural growth

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Section V: Diplomatic Protocols

Recognition by Kinship
The Maya-We Nation affirms legal kinship-based continuity with the Guainía Taíno Tribe. This qualifies as legal standing under U.S. and international Indigenous law.

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Legal Instruments Supporting Diplomacy

• UN Charter Articles 1 & 55

• Vienna Convention Articles 1, 27, 29–31

• ILO Convention 169

• Convention on Diplomatic Agents (1973)

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Diplomatic Immunities & Law Enforcement Protection

• Officers and diplomats are protected under LEOSA (18 U.S.C. §§ 926B, 926C)

• Verified agents may not be detained, harassed, or obstructed while on duty

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Section VI: National Safety Doctrine

1. Threat Category Protocol

• Category A: Low Threat / Diplomatic Friendly

• Category C: Moderate / Mixed Cooperation

• Category D: High Threat (e.g., Puerto Rico due to systemic colonial threats, surveillance, anti-Indigenous repression)

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Certified officers in Category D zones must maintain lawful defensive tools per international standards.

1. Wellness Provision for Chief
   The Chief's official vehicle is recognized as a diplomatic courier vehicle under:

• Vienna Convention (Art. 27)

• Foreign Missions Act

• UNDRIP Art. 20 & 36

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Section VII: Identity and Cultural Integrity

Kinship Clause Enforcement
The Maya-We Nation derives full legal legitimacy through:

• Kinship with a federally recognized tribe

• Cultural and political continuity from Borikén to the USVI

• Diaspora-based governance under international law

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Non-Manipulative Family Leadership Clause
The Cacike Family governs with transparency and lawfulness, based on inherited legal authority, not for personal gain. This is recognized under Indigenous customs, UNDRIP, and U.S. Indian precedent.

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Section VIII: Final Provisions

1. Amendment Process
   Amendments require Chief or Council proposal and majority ratification by recognized citizens.

2. Ratification Clause
   This Constitution is ratified as of 12/14/2021, reaffirmed and lawfully sealed by:

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Chief Samael Ojeda Mercado
Guardian of the Iron Feather Accord
Chief of the Maya-We Nation
With the Council of Will & Dept. of Diplomatic & International Affairs