Indigenous Caribbean Heritage Workshop

In My Broken Language--the One Book, One Philadelphia 2022 featured book--Quiara Alegría Hudes explores her own indigenous heritage and some of the history of indigenous peoples in Puerto Rico. This online presentation and discussion will provide an introduction to Caribbean people's histories, focusing on what indigeneity is and what it means for people living in, and diaspora of, the Caribbean today. 

Many mainstream narratives about indigeneity embody colonial views of who Natives are, what they might look like and how they should act, and who can claim "Indigenous." Our discussion will draw from My Broken Language and explore what it means to decolonize perceptions and awareness of indigeneity.

Presenter Priscilla Bell Lamberty was born in Lenapehoking, North Philadelphia, and raised in the Hunting Park section of the city. She is a muralist and educator who has taught about Indigenous Caribbean culture for over 20 years, and the recipient of a Leeway Art & Change grant, Taino Storyteller of the Year Award, and Taino Muralist of the Year Award. She works as a freelance muralist with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and as a teaching artist for Fleisher Art Memorial.