NEXUS1492 documentary in new Smithsonian Exhibition in New York City

Published on 13 September 2018

The NEXUS documentary trailer “Bajo la Tierra del Encuentro” is featured in the latest Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Exhibition in New York City.

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.

NEXUS1492 documentary trailer

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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.

Speakers on Panel 2 on Genetic Science and Genealogy: Recovering Native Ancestry. Jessica Bardill (Concordia University), an expert working at the intersection of Indigenous studies and genetic science, moderates a conversation with genetic anthropologists Deborah Bolnick (University of Connecticut) and Jada Benn Torres (Vanderbilt University), ancient DNA specialist Hannes Schroeder (NEXUS1492, University of Copenhagen), and anthropologist and Indigenous community planner Carlalynne Yarey Meléndez (Naguake Community).

For more information on this project click the link.