Heritage dinner marks end of Indigenous Heritage Month activities

-2018 activities seen increased support from patrons

-Guyanese still have a far way to go in understanding the indigenous culture

-fundraising event held to establish library and children’s corner at the Amerindian hostel

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, September 30, 2018

The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs on Saturday night brought down the curtains for major activities surrounding Amerindian Heritage month, with an annual dinner at the Mirage Banquet & Conference Hall, Georgetown.

Over 55 activities were celebrated by Indigenous villages across Guyana during the month-long festivity, with the ministry observing at least 11 such events.

Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe expressed appreciation to the supporters from Georgetown and those who travelled across the regions to participate in the events, while noting an increase in patrons this year.

The Minister identified the Indigenous lecture series, which was introduced at the school level as one of the many activities she believed was vital to the Guyanese society.

“I felt my fellow Guyanese sisters and brothers needed to understand more about Indigenous culture, customs and traditions. And with understanding would come more tolerance and appreciation.”

In addition, Minister Valerie Garrido–Lowe said,

“We still have a long way to go because some may think our traditional way of dress is indecent. So there is still a road to travel to understand and appreciate each other. We are all Guyanese and we have different culture and traditions.”

The dinner was also a fundraising effort to raise finances to establish a library and children’s corner at the Indigenous Residence in Georgetown, and for students at the Indigenous dormitory. A number of books were donated to the ministry, for the new project by a representative of Hand-in-Hand Trust Guyana at the event

This year’s Indigenous Heritage Month was celebrated under the theme “Proud of our Indigenous identity- celebrating in unity.”

Crystal Stoll

Image: Jameel Mohamed

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