A CULTURAL extravaganza, heritage sports, art/craft and food exhibitions, reflection on the life and work of Stephen Campbell, a heritage dinner and a heritage pageant are among the highlights of Indigenous Heritage Month 2017.
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Interfaith Service Coordinator, Grace Daniels said this year, the services will take an Indigenous approach. “This year the interfaith service will take a difference approach; more emphasis will be placed on the Hallelujah People. This is the only traditional indigenous religion in Guyana. The service will start with a blowing of a horn which indicates the invitations of people. There will be an opening dance where everyone will be gathered outside. It will be held on the 31st August, 2017.”
September is always a month that Guyana’s first people look forward to. It is a month where they reflect on their achievements to their communities and national development. It is also a time when they come together and celebrate each other in love and unity, as they strive to preserve and to promote their cultural heritage.
The ceremonial launch is set for September 1 at the Indigenous Heritage Village, Sophia Exhibition Complex.
There, patrons will be treated to a range of indigenous foods from labba to wild hog as well as indigenous craft, among other aspects of indigenous culture.
The celebrations will be held under the theme “Guyana’s first people; sustaining a rich cultural environment”.
Some 14 villages and two international groups: one from Brazil and another from Suriname have been invited to be part of the cultural extravaganza.
The month of activities will conclude on September 30 with the Heritage Pageant at the National Cultural Centre.