AMERINDIAN Heritage Month 2011 will be officially inaugurated today at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Greater Georgetown, where President Bharrat Jagdeo is to deliver the feature address. Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon said, at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, at Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, that the occasion is expected to be grand. 
According to the schedule of the month-long activities, Aishalton, in South Rupununi, has been designated the Heritage Village, where the focus will be on September 10.
Luncheon pointed out that this year has maintained the momentum of the development of the Amerindian people, their communities and culture under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration and the spotlight will be on them throughout September.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has planned a programme of celebrations, including an inter-faith religious service at the Umana Yana, which took place yesterday.
Today’s  function at Sophia is themed ‘Our Culture, Our Heritage, Our Life: A Fusion of Indigenous Diversity.’
Also starting at 17:30 hrs today will be an exhibition showcasing food and craft made by Amerindians. The exhibition will continue through September 5.
Preceding that is a Heritage Walk, on September 4, beginning from the Umana Yana.
There will also be an exhibition and reflection on the life of Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian Parliamentarian, also at the Umana Yana, on September 8.
The Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant, at the National Cultural Centre, takes place on September 17 and a Sports and Family Fun Day on September 18.
A dinner and appreciation ceremony, on September 30, will end the celebratory month. (Telesha Persaud)