Taino-Borikua artist and educator
Ra Jikotea Niaku’no is a kiwari (queer), konutande (vegan), hiaro-iyaraika (feminist) Taino-Borikua ikuruku’hua (artist) and tekina (educator) from the island of Boriken. Ra’s work is committed to the celebration and empowerment of Indigenous Caribbean identity.
Ra is an enrolled tribal member of Higuayagua Taino of the Caribbean Yuyakeye (tribe). Within Higuayagua’s Hiwatahia-Taino language team, she holds the role of tekina (teacher) of Hiwatahia-Taino language. Ra’s Hiwatahia-Taino language music can be found on streaming platforms such as Spotify and iTunes. Her music videos can be found on Youtube.
Ra is also the founder and director of Wuru Taino Tekiro’uo (Proud Taino Institute), a grassroots initiative dedicated to promoting Taino language and culture. Through classes, presentations, workshops, and gatherings, WTT brings together both youth and elders in celebration of Taino resilience, knowledge, and creativity.
Currently, Ra is pursuing a Masters in Indigenous Language Revitalization from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo.
IG handles: @rajikotea // @wurutaino