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In 1995 the Cheddi Jagan government designated September “Indigenous Heritage Month” in honour of our First People. History informs us they came to the Guianas by the Bering Strait, around 13, 000 years ago though this is a theory disputed by geologists, anthropologists and archaeologists, and frowned on by a section of the indigenous community who sees it as negative stereotyping. Even as we respect the varying perspectives until agreement is reached, all Guyanese have much to be grateful having this ethnic group among us, for they have and continue to play a very pivotal role in every sphere of our lives.
For starters, the name of this country, Guyana, is Amerindian word meaning “land of many waters.” Sitting atop our Coat of Arms rests the Cacique Crown in all its majesty, symbolising reverence to our Indigenous People. The Umana Yana (Wai Wai meaning “meeting place of the people”) situated in Georgetown was built in August 1972 as the V.I.P and recreation lounge for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference hosted by the Forbes Burnham government. Two of our national dishes, pepperpot and cassava bread, were given to us by our First People.
In every sphere of Guyana’s social, political, cultural and economic life our indigenous brothers and sisters have distinguished themselves. Yet in spite of these stellar contributions the history of our First People was not without struggle to be treated with respect. For instance, where European history celebrates Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World, the counter prevailing view is regret because Columbus could not have discovered what was already there and his arrival brought nothing more than sorrows.
Columbus himself acknowledged when he arrived, he met the indigenous people. The unfortunate experiences that resulted from this meeting is the attempts at enslaving the indigenous people and arrival of new diseases, though resisted strenuously was not without brutality and deaths. Thankfully, our First People continue to be vocal and demand what is rightly theirs, including playing an active role in mainstream society, which successive governments have collaborated on. Two major projects advanced by the APNU+AFC (Coalition) Government were community radio stations in indigenous villages and in 2018 began a pilot programme to have children educated in schools in the native indigenous languages.
The year’s theme is “Fostering Traditional Practices for a Safe Environment.” COVID-19 has placed some restrictions on the celebration. Minister of ‘Amerindian’ Affairs Pauline Sukhai said cultural presentations will be recorded and aired on social media and television. These will be broadcast on Wednesdays at 11:00h, Fridays at 20:00h and Saturdays 16:00h for the entire month. There will be an online art exhibition showcasing the painting and crafts of renowned Amerindian artists, as well as online marketing of craft and produce from the various villages. Indigenous cuisine will be available for sale every Wednesday with pickups only at the Amerindian Village at the Sophia Exhibition Centre and the Ministry of ‘Amerindian’ Affairs Office on Thomas and Quamina Streets. There is a lecture series to be held via zoom from September 10.
Village Voice invites all Guyanese to seek to catch and participate in at least one of the slated events. Participation helps in learning from others and building our reservoir of diverse experiences which augur well for our nation people in fostering greater respect for the other. To our Indigenous brothers and sisters, we salute and thank you for your continued contributions as we work together in building a better future for all.
Happy Heritage Month!
