THIS month is designated Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month. President Cheddi Jagan in 1995 so declared the month to honour the contributions of the nation’s First Peoples, given its specific significance. On September 10, 1957, Stephen Campbell was elected to the National Assembly, making him the first Amerindian to be a Member of Parliament.

This year’s observance is being held under the theme, “Proud of our Indigenous identity – celebrating in unity” and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, had told the launch of the month of activities that the Indigenous Peoples’ identity is special and called on the First Peoples to embrace and have pride in their identity.

Heritage Month provides numerous opportunities for our diverse society to know more about the Indigenous community and ways in which our common interests can be pursued to the collective growth and development of all the people and nation. For it is only through understanding, appreciation and respect for the other, accompanied by requisite institutional protection, can people in a multicultural society co-exist in peace and harmony. This month’s event coming on the heels of the just-concluded National Toshaos Conference presents additional opportunity to shine the spotlight on the equal importance of this group to nation-building and their contributions thus far. Whereas the Toshaos Conference allowed the leaders to meet among themselves and interact with the government to craft a course of action for their development, Heritage Month allows for national and expansive participation in the unique culture of our First Peoples.

To this country’s credit and that of its various administrations, there remains continuous efforts on the part of government to ensure the Indigenous Peoples’ culture gets its deserving space and respect in the national culture. Such will augur well for our national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

Though this community came to these shores through the Bering Strait by their own volition, the foundation of this society as we know it was laid on exploitation and discrimination, and ensnared the group as the first casualty. Thus today, this oneness of experience–though groups have been affected by varying degrees– requires of us seeking understanding of the heritage of the other, to do so with open, enquiring and receptive minds.

It is to this nation’s benefit to learn how this community, who primarily occupy the hinterland regions, have been able to co-exist with nature through the centuries. Also, when the world is also looking at alternative medicine, foods and other merchandise, including those organically grown and preserved, lessons can be learnt and economic and employment opportunities present from and within this community. Where emphases are placed on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, which entail good environmental practices and the use and proper management of indigenous resources, those on the coastland can be empowered with knowledge from their hinterland counterparts. The fascination and fierce loyalty to modern technology, it should be borne in mind that over the ages this would have evolved from earliest man’s intuition and wisdom in understanding the environment and developing the tools to enhance his well-being.
In architecture, persons can witness the marvel of the ingenuity of the Wai Wai tribe in the construction of the Umana Yana (Wai Wai meaning “meeting place of the people”) without nails. It was constructed in 1972 during the Forbes Burnham administration for Guyana’s hosting of the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference. The building was used as the VIP Lounge and recreation centre for the dignitaries and has retained its pre-eminence for hosting events.

Outside of the above, evidence can readily be seen in the country’s name, Guyana ( i.e. land of many waters) national flag (Golden Arrowhead, which pays homage to the potency of the arrow), national honours (Cacique Crown of Honour and Arrow of Achievement), coat of arms ( the crest is an Amerindian headdress). In cuisine, there are the renowned pepperpot and cassava bread, the airport (Timehri), and for relaxation the hammock, to name some. Our Indigenous brothers and sisters have contributed to every facet of this nation’s growth and development and space will not allow the recounting of such. Neither will one month suffice in recounting this proud heritage. And though the children of independent Guyana have had the benefit of learning of the Indigenous Peoples’ heritage to varying degrees, creating more opportunities for deeper knowledge can only work to the holistic development of all the people.