THE National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF) has pledged its full support to this year’s Amerindian Heritage Month, as indigenous communities embrace the 2013 theme, “Honouring our Culture, Advancing Our Future”.

President of the NADF, Ashton Simon, has said that this new theme demonstrates indigenous people’s posture against challenges. He asserted that even though the past year was challenging the indigenous peoples displayed a resolve that was amiable and strong. “Our ability to survive under such pressures and challenges demonstrates that those challenges cannot match our resolve to overcome them.”
The NADF president expressed satisfaction that many challenging matters were addressed and there have been ‘positive’ moves to resolve land and other Amerindian issues. “The positive elements that sustain and propel the ambitions of the indigenous peoples will continue to mature as long as windows to opportunities keep ajar,” Simon stated, announcing that it was the NADF’s aim to see that indigenous communities become economically stable and intellectually capable.
He noted that the NADF has been providing continuous support to Amerindian communities through outreach sessions focusing on education and development. He further added that the organisation was dedicated to informing Amerindians about development opportunities and will continue to work in partnership with government ministries and agencies to address concerns which plague indigenous peoples.
He also noted that the NADF has been working to encourage indigenous youths to expand their leadership potential and other life skills and at the same time help create economic opportunities through tourism.
Meanwhile, President of The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG), Peter Persaud is also calling on all Guyanese to support this year’s Amerindian Heritage Month. “The Amerindian culture is rich so come out and be a part of this occasion.”
He stated that TAAMOG will be participating in the inter-faith service on August 31 and will be providing Amerindian dishes and beverages on the cultural nights.
Amerindian Heritage Month is slated to be launched on September 1 at the Amerindian Village, National Exhibition Complex in Sophia, with a feature address by President Donald Ramotar.