Guyana is a nation that has a colourful history, and is home to several cultures. For this reason, it is critical to preserve our heritage and the month of September has been designated to do just that.
Declared by the late President Cheddi Jagan, Indigenous Heritage Month has been celebrated grandly with activities throughout the month, since 1995.
Throughout this month, various indigenous villages will engage in activities, such as sports, traditional dancing, exhibitions of art, crafts and food, as part of the customary festivities in recognition of our indigenous peoples.
Under the theme, “Guyana’s First Peoples: Sustaining a Rich Cultural Environment”, Indigenous Heritage Month 2017 will showcase the rich culture of our “first peoples”.
From September 1-5, there will be a Cultural Extravaganza and an Indigenous Food and Craft Exhibition at the Indigenous Village at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. Then on September 6, an Indigenous Heritage Art Exhibition will be held at the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House, Vlissengen Road. On September 9, all are invited to St Cuthbert’s Mission, also known as Pakuri Village, for the Heritage Village Day celebrations. The life and works of Guyana’s first indigenous parliamentarian, Stephen Campbell, will be celebrated on September 13 at the Indigenous Village, Sophia Exhibition Centre. On September 11-15, various hinterland schools will be participating in educational tours in Georgetown. The Umana Yana will house several educational lectures from September 11 to 22. At the Everest Cricket Ground, there will be exciting heritage/indigenous games and sports from September 22 to 24. On September 29, the annual Heritage Fundraising Dinner will be held at the Georgetown Club.
Several beauties will showcase their talent and heritage at the Indigenous Heritage Pageant at the National Cultural Centre on September 30.
A noteworthy win during this Indigenous Heritage Month was the newly-crowned Heritage Jingle Competition champion, Julian ‘The Mighty Pakuri’ Kattow.
For more information on the activities during this month, contact the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on 225-6646.
