Cacike Jose Tureycu Lopez & Angie Acuwei Lopez – Top Latinos

In the heart of the Bronx, NY, the Yaya Guaili Ara Taino Yukayeke stands as a beacon of cultural preservation, resilience, and unity for the Taino people. At the helm of this noble Taino village are Principal Chief (Cacike) Jose Tureycu Lopez and Council Member Angie Acuwei Lopez, two individuals whose lives are dedicated to honoring their ancestors and uplifting their community.

Jose Tureycu Lopez’s journey into Taino leadership began in the most intimate of settings—his grandparents’ home. Raised partially by his grandmother, Juanita Lopez, and grandfather, Jorge Lopez, Jose was immersed in the traditions, stories, and healing practices of his Taino heritage from a young age. His grandmother, a natural healer, would often prepare herbal remedies using plants from her windowsill, crushing them in a pilón to create teas and creams that, while unpleasant in taste or smell, worked wonders for the ailments of her family. It wasn’t until later in life that Jose realized his grandmother was practicing the ancient healing arts of the curanderos and bohike, the medicine people of the Taino.

His grandfather, Jorge, further enriched his understanding of their heritage by sharing stories of the Taino people and their way of life. Jorge’s map of Boriken (Puerto Rico), adorned with the original names of towns and Taino leaders, became a symbol of pride and a source of inspiration for Jose. Through these stories, he learned about the bohíos (round thatched houses) and the long-haired, dark-skinned people who carried the blood of their ancestors. His grandfather’s words, “Those people are the people of our ancestors, and we share the same blood,” ignited a passion in Jose to reconnect with and preserve his Taino identity.

In 1999, Jose was called upon by an elder to help restore a Taino tribe in Boriken. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the Taino community. Over the years, he has served in various capacities, including as a Tekina (spokesperson), tirelessly working to revive and sustain the legacy of the Taino people. Today, as Principal Chief of Yaya Guaili Ara Taino Yukayeke, he leads with a vision of unity, cultural preservation, and empowerment.

Angie Acuwei Lopez, whose tribal name “Acuwei” means “Sun Eyes,” embodies the spirit of illumination and advocacy for her people. Born in Manhattan, NY, and raised in Caguas, Boriken, Angie is a proud Boricua Taino Mestizo descendant. Her passion for storytelling and cultural preservation is evident in her work as a photographer, videographer, and musician. Through her art, she captures the essence of Taino traditions and shares their beauty with the world.

As a mother of two and the wife of Cacike Jose Tureycu Lopez, Angie plays a vital role in the Yaya Guaili Ara Taino Tribe. She serves as an Administrative Assistant and advisor to the women’s and mother’s council, ensuring that the voices of Taino women are heard and celebrated. Her dedication to her community reflects her belief in the strength and resilience of Taino families, who together form the foundation of the Yukayeke.

The Yaya Guaili Ara Taino Yukayeke is more than a village; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Taino people. Composed of families and individuals descended from Lokono, Igneris, Guanahatabey, Siboney, and other Taino and Arawak tribes, the Yukayeke is dedicated to preserving and reviving the legacy of their ancestors. Through music, dance, art, storytelling, DNA research, and gatherings, they honor their heritage and pass it on to future generations.

Despite the challenges of not being federally recognized by the United States due to their Caribbean origins, the Taino people of Yaya Guaili Ara stand firm in their identity. They draw strength from their families, oral histories, and shared traditions, proving that recognition comes not from external validation but from within their community.

Principal Chief Jose Tureycu Lopez and Council Member Angie Acuwei Lopez exemplify the resilience, wisdom, and unity of the Taino people. Through their leadership, they have created a space where Taino families can come together, celebrate their heritage, and build a future rooted in the values of their ancestors. Their story is a powerful reminder that cultural preservation is not just about looking to the past—it is about creating a legacy for generations to come.