Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy

THE month of September is recognized nationally as Indigenous Heritage Month where a series of activities hosted by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs have been planned to honour the work, culture and contributions of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples.
The very first indigenous Heritage month was observed on September 10, 1995, and was launched by the then President Cheddi Jagan.

This year, the month is being celebrated under the theme “Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy”. The launch took place on August 9, 2019, at the Amerindian Village at Sophia Exhibition Site, Sophia. August 9 was also observed as International Day of Indigenous Peoples.

Heritage Month officially began with a religious ceremony yesterday at the Umana Yana. Today, the Heritage exhibition and activities will be ushered in with a ceremonial launch at the Indigenous Village in Sophia, Greater Georgetown. This activity will showcase cultural dances, songs and Indigenous delicacies. A host of other activities have been planned for this event.

Across the country, many Indigenous communities and settlements also have their own celebrations in commemoration of the month’s activities. Senior Councillor of the Santa Rosa Village Council, Sharon Atkinson told the Pepperpot Magazine that a customary ‘big’ get together has been planned for September 29, 2019 at Kumaka Recreational Ground, where 11 communities will meet for one celebration.

She added that they will have a lecture on the protection of the environment as well as, storytelling, folk songs, dances and of course, the traditional foods and drinks will be on sale for the festivity.

Atkinson related that folks are welcome in their village of Santa Rosa but permission must be granted by the Village Council and there is a guesthouse with air-conditioned rooms etc. to cater for visitors.

She pointed out that year-round they have pots of wild meat Pepperpot on the stove as well as, their cassava bread making and other traditional foods.

Atkinson stated that each of the 11 satellite communities will also have their own heritage celebrations where they will showcase their rich culture, customs and foods.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that in Santa Rosa residents pride themselves in the making of quality craft in the form of handbags, hammocks, and jewels from tibisri which is sourced from the Ite plant and mucuru which comes from the swampy areas.