This event, held in observance of Women's History Month, was presented by UCTP member organization, Presencia Taina and the Long Island Native American Task Force, in association with the NMAI. Directors Vanessa Inarunikia (PT) and Aurelia Lucia Henriquez (LNATF) organized and co-moderated the presentations and activities. Conference speakers included Harriet and Lance Gumbs (Shinecock), Lorraine Canoe Mohawk), Sunshine Eagle (Quechua), Marguerite Smith (Shinecock), Maria Manati Robles (Taino), Melvin Betsellie (Navajo), Roberto Mucaro Borrero (Taino) and Elba Anaca Lugo (Taino). Ms. Lugo, who is the President of the General Council of Tainos Borincanos was in New York not only to participate in this conference but to represent the Council at the historic UCTP Signatory Ceremony at City Hall.

The program also included powerful musical presentations by the Young Blood Singers and the Drum Circle Singers. Sylvia Guariche-Boa Benitez (Taino), Lizzy Sarobey Craino) and Barbara Naniche Marengo (Taino) of Cacibajagua accompanied Roberto Mucaro Borrero in a song dedicated to Attabeira, the sacred Taino Earth and Water Mother. Sandra Roldan also gave a moving version of her song dedicated to Indigenous Women, "India Nativa."

Presentations covered topics such as the matriarchal organization of Iroquois society, maintaining a balance between traditional and contemporary life, and the feminine energy which permeates every aspect of the Taino universe. Shinecock Elder, Harriet Gumbs spoke of her youth and the changes that she has seen occur on the reservation for her people. Melvin Betseilie (Navajo) spoke of need for women and men to work together on a spiritual level to protect not only their heritage but the environment.

The day long event was enthusiastically received by both natives and non-natives, who filled the conference room to capacity.

The positive interaction from the audience reflected the desire for this type of dialogue. It is interesting to note that a majority of questions were directed toward the Taino representatives, displaying a genuine public interest in the Caribbean Indigenous Peoples Movement.

The program which opened with a prayer by Melvin Betsellie and Maria Manati Robles, closed in the same manner. The conference was felt by the participants and the audience alike, to be an overall success and all looked forward to gathering again next year.