Indigenous Month 2018 officially launched

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, 10th August 2018

Indigenous Heritage Month was officially launched under the theme ‘Proud of our Indigenous identity – celebrating in unity’ at the Umana Yana yesterday.

Attendees at the launch which were greeted to a traditional indigenous setting, live performances from the Couchman Family, Sara Fredericks and a dance by the Students of the Hinterland Scholarship Division.

In his remarks, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock urged Indigenous Guyanese to celebrate with pride and unification. “Our identity is special, we must embrace, have pride in our identity. Let us not forget who we are as we celebrate, as these attributes determine where we will go.”

Indigenous cultural dance performed during the launched of Indigenous Heritage Month 2018

Members of the Indigenous dance troupe

[from left] Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibilty for Culture, Dr. George Norton, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock

Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe spoke of the gains made by the Indigenous population and the opportunities being made available to them. Among these, the minister highlighted the successful Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) program.

Also, attending was Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibilty for Culture, Dr. George Norton and various representatives of committees who presented overviews of the month-long programme of activities.

The celebrations will commence with a religious service on August 31 at 17:00hrs to be held at the Indigenous Village Sophia. Then, a ceremonial launch will be held on September 1. The village will also play host to a cultural extravaganza and food and craft exhibition from September 1-5. The next agenda on the calendar is the Indigenous Heritage Art Exhibition that will run from September 5-30 at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House.

The life and works of the late Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian Member of Parliament, will also be celebrated on the September 10.

This year’s heritage village will celebrate in the community of Shulinab in Region Nine, headed by Toshao Nicholas Fredericks who was recently elected as the Chairman of the National Toshao Council.

Other activities slated on the calendar of activities include the Indigenous Games, educational tours to the capital city for hinterland students, school’s educational tours, various lectures and an annual fundraising dinner. Apart from these activities, other villages will host their annual heritage celebrations in their respective communities.

By: Kimberley Ferreira

Image: Tejpaul Bridgemohan