Amerindian Heritage Month 2025 opens with Interfaith Service celebrating unity in diversity

The month-long celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month 2025 was officially launched with a vibrant interfaith service that brought together representatives from Guyana’s diverse faith communities, cultural performers and Government officials under the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture.” The service featured an atmosphere of reverence, song and cultural pride, as prayers were offered by Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Anglican leaders, each extending blessings to Guyana’s Indigenous peoples and calling for peace, prosperity, and greater unity across the nation.
The programme opened with a song and dance by the Sawariwau Dance Group, and a performance by the Family Fest Seventh-Day Adventist group from Montrose, Region Four, whose rendition of a gospel hymn set a reflective tone.
This was followed by prayers from Pandit Sukhdeo of the Hindu community, who chanted Sanskrit verses and invoked blessings of wisdom, success and peace for Amerindian leaders and communities. The Baha’i community delivered a moving song and reading centred on the values of unity in diversity. Using the metaphor of a garden of many-coloured flowers, they emphasised that cultural and spiritual diversity strengthens harmony, much like varied notes blend into a perfect chord.
In his closing prayer, Carl Peters of the Anglican community urged national leaders to listen to the voices of Amerindian communities, uphold justice and land rights, and ensure that Indigenous culture not only survives but thrives. He further invited attendees to the Anglican Church’s own Heritage Service on September 22 at Austin House. The programme also included the singing of “Bind Us Together, Lord” by all attendees, symbolising the spirit of togetherness that Amerindian Heritage Month seeks to foster. Special acknowledgments were made to cultural groups, alongside faith representatives and Government officials in attendance, including the Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance. In his remarks, a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs representative underscored the importance of the service as a symbol of national solidarity. “The Amerindian Heritage Interfaith Service brings together Guyana’s religious traditions in prayer and reflection, honouring the spirituality, culture and enduring contributions of our First Peoples, while promoting unity, peace and inclusivity across our beloved nation.”
The event concluded with a sharing of Amerindian cuisine, allowing attendees to experience Indigenous culinary traditions while reflecting on the day’s theme of unity and cultural celebration. Amerindian Heritage Month 2025 will continue throughout September with a calendar of cultural, educational and community activities nationwide, showcasing the richness of Guyana’s nine Indigenous nations.