THE rich and diverse culture of Guyana’s first inhabitants, the indigenous peoples, is significantly showcased during the annual Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations, which are observed every September. This year’s activities will be celebrated under the theme: ‘Preserving Indigenous Customs and Traditions.’

Amerindian Heritage Month has its origin on September 10, 1957, when Stephen Campbell became Guyana’s first Amerindian selected to be Member of Parliament. It is for this reason that Amerindian Heritage Day is celebrated on September 10th every year.

Fast forwarding to 1995, it is recorded that Guyana’s then Prime Minister, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, officially designated September as Amerindian Heritage Month, giving the Indigenous population a chance to showcase their way of life.
Apart from the distinctive languages of the Warraus, Arawaks, Wapisianas, and the Caribs, Amerindians are known for their craft-making skills and unique array of foods that are usually made from cassava and other ground provisions. As such, the heritage celebration allows the wider Guyanese populace to experience the indigenous culture in a profound way.

Apart from the celebrations in the various villages, activities planned for this event include a heritage launch; food & craft exhibitions; cultural presentations; sports and family fun day; an inter-faith service; a fund-raising event and Reflections on the Life of Stephen Campbell.
Traditionally, these activities are launched at the historic Umana Yana, an historic building which was destroyed by fire in the midst of celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month in 2014. The Umana Yana represents the recognition of Amerindian culture in Guyana.
According to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valarie Garrido-Lowe, the ministry is in full preparation mode for 2015 activities. Minister Lowe emphasised that the Guyanese population can expect a “bigger and better Heritage celebration, as the wonderful diversity of the rich indigenous culture will be showcased in the form of dance, music, poetry, art, food, fashion and sports.
During a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Lowe explained that rehabilitation of the Heritage Village located at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, is one of the major projects under way in preparation for this event.
This project, she said, includes the renovation of the roof and walls of the main benab and the construction of two additional benabs in the compound.
The activities will commence on August 31 with the customary inter-religious service at the Heritage Village, followed by the Heritage ceremonial launch on September 1, where President Granger will give a feature address.
From September 2-6, there will be the food and craft exhibition, along with a cultural extravaganza at the Heritage Village. The cultural extravaganza will see a number of cultural groups from Santa Rosa, Kabakaburi, Sand Creek, Surama, Karadaranau, Karasabai, Orealla and Masakenari, among others, participating.

“There will be dances, poems, storytelling and skits. There are fascinating tales of tiger attacks and escapes. We want it to be exciting, instead of someone just telling a tale, we want the viewers to listen and then ask questions, so we will have the full participation of the audience,” Minister Lowe further explained.
For sports, Minister Lowe explained that archery and swimming will be added to the usual cricket, football and volleyball competitions held at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Georgetown. There will also be the fund-raising dinner on September 18; this will be in the form of a cocktail and the Heritage pageant on September 26.
As part of the national celebrations, a National Heritage Village is selected, and this year Santa Aratack, a riverine community in Region 3 was chosen. Residents will plan two days of activities to share their way of life, traditions, cultures and achievements with the rest of Guyana.