Home News Amerindian Heritage Month 2024: Collective action needed to advance Indigenous interests –...
– Campbelltown is 2024 Heritage Village
The highly anticipated Amerindian Heritage Month 2024 celebrations have kickstarted with a call for collective action to push the interests of the country’s indigenous people.
On Wednesday, this year’s Amerindian Heritage Month was launched under the theme: “Many Voices, One Song. Celebrating Amerindian Heritage 2024”. Campbelltown, an Amerindian community north of Mahdia, in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), has been named the 2024 Heritage Village.
Scores of individuals from the Indigenous community, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries assembled at the Umana Yana Georgetown for the official launching ceremony.
Speaking at the launch event was Vice Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Sonia Latchman, who reflected on how the month-long celebrations have grown over the years.
“Over the years, Amerindian Heritage Month has grown in significance not just for our indigenous peoples, our communities, but for the entire nation of Guyana. It has become a national celebration that brings together people from all walks of life to appreciate the unique contributions of the Amerindians of Guyana” she stated.
Latchman also highlighted that whilst the indigenous people of the country have made significant strides over the years to ensure that they are included in the country’s economic development, additional work must be done to improve the lives of Amerindian citizens further.
“We have made significant contributions in the education sector, the health sector, and other sectors, and we have had many community developments. But there remains work to be done, and the work to be done requires our collective attention and action. We must continue to advocate for policies that protect our rights and promote sustainable development, ensuring that our villages blossom into a rapidly changing one. As we launch Amerindian Heritage Month, let us do so with a sense of unity and purpose” she explained.
On this note, she encouraged persons who will be celebrating throughout the month to exercise safety at all times. “Once again, the National Toshao Council wish you a wonderful Amerindian Heritage Month. As we do so, and as we celebrate, let us do so with much pride. And I can’t say sober, because I know what some my indigenous peoples will do, but I will definitely say, let us celebrate responsibly” she stated.
Notably absent from the celebrations was the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, who had accompanied President Dr. Irfaan Ali for an outreach in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on Wednesday. However, representing the Minister was Member of Parliament, Alister Charlie, who shared similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of the Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations.
“This occasion is not merely a formal gathering, but a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit, rich cultural tapestry, and invaluable contributions of our Amerindian brothers and sisters across the length and breadth of the land of many waters. Today, we stand united as one nation to honour the legacy and achievements of the people who have played a foundational role in shaping our country’s identity” he noted.
Moreover, Charlie went on to remind of some of the key political figures that paved the way for Amerindians to be recognised and given the opportunities that other ethnic communities in the country receive.
“Amerindian Heritage Month, as we know it today, was not always part of our national calendar. It was the late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, alongside the visionary People’s Progressive Party Civic Government, in 1995, who made the landmark decision to designate the month of September as Amerindian Heritage Month. This decision was not a mere act of recognition, but a profound statement of intent, a commitment to ensuring that the contributions, culture, and history of our Amerindian communities are celebrated and preserved for generations to come,” he explained.
Since its inception, every year in the month of September, Guyanese from all walks of life celebrate the country’s Indigenous culture through numerous activities including food and craft exhibitions, pageants, cultural extravaganza, sport activities and the Village Heritage Day celebrations.
