THE Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on Saturday hosted a religious service to launch Indigenous Heritage Month 2019 being observed under the theme, “Maintaining Our Traditional Practices while Promoting a Green Economy.”

The religious service began with a prayer, song and dance, which were performed by religious leaders from the Alleluia Faith as well as Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland.
The religious observance was done as a means of worship to the creator and Mother Nature and to show gratitude for all that the country is blessed with. It is said to be a way of being positive towards life, and giving thanks for the many successes and the many things that persons are given while they are alive, and to bring people together to celebrate all that life has blessed them with.

The rhythm of the dance was specifically chosen to represent the sound of a beating heart, to show unity and to show oneness with the universe and each other.

Minister Allicock said that he was happy the Indigenous Peoples had the opportunity to showcase how they live in the hinterland. He explained that there is a lot of knowledge that can be used for the betterment of the entire country from the Indigenous Peoples, and that that information now needs to be brought to the rest of the country. “Well I must say that this is an opportunity for our people to be able to share with the rest of Guyana how we live in the hinterland and what it means to our people living in a natural environment. And if you understood what they were saying, it was giving praise to the Almighty, to the great creator for all the things that would be provided including good governance and everyone in Guyana along with not only the people, but the natural environment.”

The entire ceremony was conducted by a group of Patamonas in the Akawaio Indigenous Language. After the ceremony, persons in attendance were given the chance to sample varying Indigenous foods and drinks in an effort to facilitate interaction, love and unity.