Amerindian Heritage Month 2025 celebrations kick off with review of 1995 origins

The annual Amerindian Heritage Month, September celebrations, was launched on Monday, September 1, under the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture” by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
The month-long celebrations began with a social media feature – “Chronicling the Amerindian Heritage Month Celebrations” – along with the launch of a children’s poem competition for 7-11-year-olds.

According to a statement posted on the Ministry’s FaceBook page, this year’s theme “encapsulates the essence of our journey as a nation, one that is rooted in unity, propelled by progress, and enriched by the preservation and advancement of our Indigenous heritage”.
The Amerindian Affairs Ministry also noted that the month of September is “an opportunity to reflect on and honour the invaluable contributions of the Indigenous peoples of Guyana, whose legacy is indelibly etched into our nation’s history.”
It underscored that the occasion reflects the vision of President Ali’s One Guyana initiative, acknowledging that under his leadership, Guyana is now recognised as a global leader in advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples.
“Through strategic investments and community-centred initiatives, we have witnessed unprecedented growth in village economies and livelihoods,” the statement read, adding that through grants and funding there have been advancements in the local infrastructure, agriculture, small business development and cultural preservation of Indigenous lives across Guyana.
The village of Nappi, in Region Nine, has been chosen as this year’s Heritage Village, with celebrations set for the village community on September 20.
According to the official Amerindian Heritage Month calendar, the traditional Amerindian Interfaith Service will be held at the Umana Yana on September 4.
In addition, the popular Amerindian Village, at Sophia, begins from September 6 to 11 this year. The well-known event features Amerindian crafts and cuisine, as well as cultural presentations.
Along with a reflection on the life and works of Stephen Campbell on September 10, an arts exhibition and Indigenous Fashion showcase are slated for September 12, while a Heritage Safari from Georgetown – Moraikobai – Great Falls/58 Miles is set for September 13.
For more information on this year’s celebrations, see the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ FaceBook page.