Jawalla Hallelujah Group ushers in Heritage Month
─ Rivers View selected venue for Heritage Village 2019
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, September 1, 2019
Indigenous Heritage Month was ushered in at the Umana Yana with a traditional welcome dance and prayers in Akawaio.
Leading the ceremony was the Jawalla Hallelujah Group who invited Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock, Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Barton Scotland and other dignitaries gathered, to dance around the ‘benab’ before chanting devotions in the Akawaio language. Among those participating in the thanksgiving service were several Indigenous youths.
The service paid homage to nature for the blessing it bestows on persons who benefit from it. The pace of the ceremonial dance was that of a heart beating to represent unity with nature and each other
In brief remarks, Minister Allicock spoke of the importance of the bond between the Indigenous peoples and their environment and their vital contribution to keeping the ecosystem intact. This practice he noted must be imparted to others.
“Our people believe in preserving Mother Nature as she is and this practice must be shared with the rest of Guyana to engender respect for nature. The Indigenous peoples from the beginning worked very hard to preserve Guyana which today, is also combatting climate change. It is important our practices and culture are preserved for future generations,” Minister Allicock said.
This will be the third year the worship group is leading the religious service. In 2018, a group of 12 persons from Kangaruma Village, middle Mazaruni and Kamarang in the Upper Mazaruni, Region 7 conducted the service.
Indigenous Heritage Month, 2019, will officially commence on September 1, with a heritage ceremonial launch at the Indigenous Heritage Village, Sophia, the feature address will be presented by H.E. President David Granger.
Other events to follow are a cultural extravaganza, food and craft exhibition as well as an Indigenous art exhibition, a celebration of the life and works of Stephen Campbell, school tours and educational lectures. This year Indigenous Heritage Day will be held at Rivers View in Region 10. Closing off the month of activities will be the Indigenous Pageant on September 28, at the National Cultural Centre, which will see several beauties vying for the crown.
Editor’s Note: Hallelujah is a traditional religion in Guyana practiced by mostly Indigenous peoples. It means, a solemn worship to the supreme father in heaven. Amokokopai, a small village located in Upper Mazaruni hosts the headquarters of the Hallelujah church. Branches can also be found in Brazil and Venezuela.