Dear Editor, Have We Misunderstood our History and are we Misclassified Urban Indians?

Dear Editor, in light of this new debate surrounding misclassified urban Indians, I am writing to explore the topic of Jamaica’s identity and heritage, specifically in relation to the Taino people who were the original inhabitants of our land. While acknowledging the presence of East Indians and Chinese who arrived during the era of indentured labor after the abolition of slavery in 1865, the majority of the population, comprising individuals with black or brown skin, is believed to have African ancestry following the eradication of the Arawakan Indians by the Spanish. This sets Jamaica apart from other Spanish-occupied West Indian islands like Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, and Surinam, which retained a small native Indian population despite the Spanish invasion.

Jamaica’s history documents the replacement of the native population with African slaves brought here by the Spanish. After the English defeated the Spanish in 1655, Jamaica became a significant port for the slave trade and sugar exportation. However, there is limited information available regarding the slaves and individuals whom the Spanish had freed following their defeat. It is uncertain whether the small group of people who served the Spanish during their rule were of African or Indian origin, as the extensive trade of Africans to the island did not occur before 1655. Nonetheless, those who were freed by the Spanish sought refuge in the mountains and established Maroon communities that persist to this day. Were these the original Indians? Have we misunderstood our history?

Jamaica’s identity extends beyond ethnicity; we encompass a diverse range of people united as one. However, it is undeniable that the majority of our population has a predominant African heritage, stemming from the era of the slave trade. Yet, the Urban Indian Heritage Society (UIHS) is currently challenging this narrative by presenting compelling research and data that suggests Jamaicans have a rich history connected to the native Indians of the island. They argue that genealogical research reveals an urban American Indian root in Jamaica, providing an alternative perspective to our historical understanding.

The Urban Indian Heritage Society (UIHS) has organized a petition called Remedy for the Misclassified People of North America! They are demanding for the American Indian Inclusion Act to address the mistreatment and erasure of the Misclassified American Indian by the United States Government. The petition demands reclassification of ethnic birthrights, the return of occupied American Indian lands, restitution, punitive damages, and institutional reform. The UIHS lists several demands, including the creation of a genealogical committee to examine bloodline lineage, the establishment of an oversight committee for tribal membership appeals, and the recognition of the American Indian Political Party. The petition also calls for the removal of taxation on American Indian lands, the repeal of HR 4238, special reform bills for social services and education, and the implementation of American Indian studies throughout educational institutions. Restitution measures are proposed, such as the creation of a trust for restitution funds and the reimbursement of educational fees. The petition demands public hearings and the formation of oversight committees to review and implement the American Indian Inclusion Act. It addresses various government departments and agencies, seeking redress for the misclassified American Indian who experienced paper genocide, ethnocide, and policide. The petition will be presented to the United States Congress along with a detailed manifesto of grievances.

I am particularly excited to facilitate and attend a special presentation by the UIHS at The Jamaica Theological Seminary’s Caribbean Thought class this summer, where their powerful arguments will be discussed.