Embracing, Celebrating indigenous tradition

Amerindian Heritage Month replete with rich heritage displays

As Amerindian Heritage Month ends, looking back reveals a flurry of exhibits and festivities this past month that showcased our indigenous people’s rich heritage.

Amerindian Heritage Month has been observed each year in September after it was passed by Parliament in 1995 for such an observance. From 1995, the month usually begins with an official launching ceremony. This year an inter-faith service was held August 31 at the Umana Yana, and the official launching of the month was held September 1 at the Amerindian Village, National Exhibition Centre in Sophia.
The Amerindian Heritage Month was so designated because the country’s first Amerindian parliamentarian, Stephen Campbell, took up his seat in the National Assembly Sept 10, 1957.
The first launching was held at the Amerindian Residence on Princes Street. All others were held at the Umana Yana, except in 1999, when it was held on the lawns of Castellani House because the Umana Yana was under renovation.
From 2008, the launching has been held at the Amerindian Village which was constructed for Carifesta that year, in the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.
Since 1998, national heritage celebrations take place at a ‘heritage village’; the first was at Zeriwa in St. Ignatius, Region Nine. In 1999, it was held in Mainstay/Waiaka, Region Two. Then in 2000, celebrations were held in Santa Rosa, Region One. In 2001, Kamarang/Warawata, Region Seven was the ‘heritage village’. In 2002, Paramakatoi, Region Eight held the month’s festivities. In 2003, celebrations were held again in Zeriwa, St. Ignatius. In 2004, Mabaruma Settlement, Region One, hosted the ‘heritage village’ celebrations. Moraikobai, Region Five, held its ‘heritage village’ celebrations in 2005. In 2006, Annai, Region Nine, held their village celebrations. In 2007, the ‘heritage village’ went back to Mainstay/Waiaka, Region Two. In 2008, Santa Aratak, Region Three, was the ‘heritage village’. In 2009, Orealla, Region Six, was the ‘heritage village’ for that year. ‘Heritage villages’ were held in Waramuri in Region One (2010) and in Aishalton in Region Nine (2011).
This year’s ‘heritage village’ Micobie, situated approximately two miles downriver of the famous Tumatumari Falls found in the Potaro River, Region Eight, saw an influx of visitors, many of whom were visiting for the first time. Many were quite taken by the scenic environment, while others were busy sampling the mouth-watering Amerindian delicacies, indulging in the drinks, admiring the beautiful craft pieces and enjoying the songs and dances.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, at the day’s celebrations, informed residents there that the government, in keeping with tradition, would be making a special heritage contribution to the village of $5M to support income generation, infrastructure or other projects as proposed by the village.
There was also a September 17 ‘heritage walk’, held by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Advocating a healthy lifestyle, it began at the Umana Yana and culminated at the Botanical Gardens.
Representatives of the Indigenous People’s Commission (IPC), the National Toshaos Council (NTC), National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF), the Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG), other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and ‘Hinterland Scholarship’ students took part in the activity.
This year, in recognition of the role Amerindians play in society, government through the aegis of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry hosted the month of activities that included exhibitions at Sophia, ‘Heritage Day’ at Micobie, inter-faith service, reflection of the life and work of Stephen Campbell, ‘heritage walk’, a weekend of sports, ‘indigenous parade’ in St. Ignatius, Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo, heritage festivities in Paruima, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, archery competitions in Kartabo, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, and many other activities in various Amerindian villages.
Many were delighted with the talents, skills and rich culture of our indigenous people displayed at the various activities. Visitors, regionally and internationally, indulged in the traditional foods and entertainment. The month was held under the theme, “Embracing Our Identity, Celebrating Our Culture.”