“Of this unconscious tragedy, in my life, however, I stand before you and continued to represent my Miskitu people.” – Rev. Josephenie Robertson
“The nearest approach to a nomad life is found among the mongrel savages of ‘Moscos’ or ‘Mosquitos’, on what is known as the ‘Mosquito Shore’. They are a mixed breed of negroes and Indians, and, ….doomed to extinction.”
– Ephraim George Squier
The Miskitu are the original people of Northern Nahuatl speaking indigenous people. People of Aztec Mexico who accompanied the Spanish to the Miskitu kingdom referred to the Miskitu as “chontal” or “foreigner”, indicating that the inhabitants of the Miskitu Coast were not the same racially as the Aztecs who lived just north of the Mayans and Miskitu peoples. Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus), himself wrote about his 4th voyage in 1502 to the Americas, where his journals described the Miskitu Coast also being inhabited by “dark-skinned” people who wore golden circular medallions and dwelled by a large river where there was lots of gold in the sands.
The Miskitu Nation are the original people on the Moskitia/Mosquito (Miskitu) territory in Central America. Their history dates back to the Mayan civilizations. Oral history says that in 900 AD under the Guidance of Miskitu King Boopam and the other 11 kings, 12 tribes united and became one Miskitu nation.
These colorful illustrations are by Dr. by Heather Hurst. The illustrations of Dr. Hurst, of the Xultun figures, show that the Miskito/Mosquito dressed in bright colors and wore various scarves and other hats to cover their hair/heads.
The Miskitu Atlantic Coast is a historically comprised area along the Eastern Coast of present-day Nicaragua and Honduras. It formed part of the Eastern Atlantic Caribbean Zone and was long dominated by British Interests. Although, the Miskito Kingdom was already an independent state when England officially recognized it in 1689.
Twenty-one years later, in 1710, London concluded an official treaty of friendship and alliance establishing a protectorate over the kingdom. (Left)The Original flag as a sign of Friendship and mutual respect between England and Miskitu.
The inhabitants, consist of Miskitu, Guarifanos, Pech is (almost extinct), Rama, Tawaska, Prinsus, Sambos, Lakas, Ulwala, Kukras. Rama Kriol, Creole combined cultures are mainly as stewards of the earth who have long been open to invention, in favor of the new and old in moderation and balance.
Mosquita consists of a large land mass from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. This is a rich land filled with natural resources, these people are not savages- a once thriving nation with own language and governance.
The Miskitu are at one with the earth. They make it their responsibility to be good stewards of their provision, such as when they cut down one tree they plant five more. Tropical fruit and vegetables, lobster, homeopathic remedies, and coffee are some of the exports they could provide to the world. However, the goodwill they have for their land is not met the same – foreign companies run untapped with the permission of Nicaragua’s Ortega to strip their vegetation to the bare minimum, clean water supply is ruined, lobster fishermen are not given correct treatment for the bends, and farmers are met with arson when they refuse to give up their land.
Beginning in 1957 to present, standing on her unwavering belief in God and therapy through art, she has relentlessly pursued the full sovereignty and international right to self-determination for the Miskitu People…
In order to bring peace between The Sandinista, the Contras and Miskitu Warriors gave up their arms and accepted the protection of the United Nations Charters. This left the people without protection. They are at the mercy of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, the FSLN dictatorship and The Government of Honduras. Their Armed forces occupy the sovereign domain of Miskitu territory. Mr. Ortega, his partner Rosario Murillo and his Sandinista Government Officials are set on taking this land for its natural resources, profit and political advantage. The settlers are given guns and are free to use them. The Miskitu people are jailed if they possess such weapons This is their land. They are stripped of the right to protect themselves. If a Miskitu is killed or injured, officials turn a blind eye. If colonos make a complaint they are jailed…
Beginning in the 1970’s, the Miskitu people joined the fight for freedom. They fight to protect themselves from Daniel Ortega’s Sandinista Army. This army is dedicated to the extermination of the indigenous people of the Atlantic Caribbean Coast. The Miskitu people stand in opposition to the desires of Daniel Ortega and Honduran forces. They oppose the injustice of selling off this land. Mr. Ortega and all who support him have no concern for how the land is to be used. This violates their beliefs at their core.
“When the people try to leave they are shot by the Sandinista soldiers.”
