Keeping the indigenous culture alive!

–Youths benefitting from live craft demonstrations

DPI, Guyana, Friday, June 14, 2019

Young people from schools and the university of Guyana are benefitting from live demonstration of craft making, compliments of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

The activity is one of many in observance of the International Year of Indigenous Languages and will end on Sunday, June 16, 2019. Some of the skills on display are Macushi hammock weaving, straw skirts construction and the making of beaded necklaces.

The patrons will also be exposed to the art of plaiting warishi, quakes, fan, sifters and the matapee. The demonstrations will be done by a number of elderly indigenous persons who have kept the culture alive.

What is fascinating, is the fact that the young people are eager to learn the dying indigenous culture. Vernai Austin and Esther Marslowe both commended the initiative and could not wait to get started.

Marslowe believes that the initiative will allow young people to embrace and show more appreciation for their culture. “I think we have been placed in a box where we do not really appreciate our culture, so I think this forum is like an empowerment session where young persons like myself could embrace that which we have and that is very important,” she stated.

As for Austin, she is attuned to her culture as she speakers her native language, Akawaio. However, when it comes to craft, Austin said, “I know some of it, not all but I would be happy to learn more.”

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe said that craft is one aspect of the beautiful indigenous life. She said that the art is one that has been used to feed lots of families in the hinterland.

Addressing the young people, the Minister said craft, “is an art that every one of you young people, whatever your nation is, can learn.” The live demonstrations Minister Garrido-Lowe pointed out will be a monthly feature with different type of crafts being taught.

She encouraged the youths to make contact with the Ministry if they are interested in additional training in the art. The young people were also called on by the Minister to be proud of their indigenous culture and to promote it wherever they go.

Images: Keno George

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