AMERINDIAN Heritage Month will provide another opportunity for Indigenous communities to showcase their culture, traditions and talents, as Guyana continues to see growing appreciation for its Indigenous heritage.
This was according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek on Monday evening during an interfaith ceremony held ahead of the official launch of Amerindian Heritage Month, which begins today.
Browne-Shadeek said the month has evolved into an important platform through which Indigenous culture is presented not only to Guyanese but to audiences around the world.
She noted that there has been a significant change in the way Indigenous culture is perceived, pointing to a shift from the discrimination experienced in the past to greater recognition and pride in Amerindian traditions.
“In the past, well, there were so many with a lot of discrimination and all that to a great extent… We take much pride in our culture,” the Minister said.
She said cultural groups from across the country look forward to participating in the month’s activities, with some viewing the events in Georgetown as an important opportunity to showcase their talents and traditions.
Browne-Shadeek also highlighted the heritage games, which bring young people from Indigenous communities to the capital to demonstrate their sporting abilities.
According to the minister, the games have helped to identify talent, with several participants going on to represent Guyana in football, volleyball and cricket at the national and international levels.
She went on to highlight that the Amerindian heritage pageant also forms part of this year’s programme, with representatives from the various regions expected to travel to Georgetown to prepare for the event.
While the ministry has adjusted some activities for this year’s observances, Browne-Shadeek said there remains strong interest among communities and cultural groups in participating in the programme.
Against this backdrop, she said that the interfaith service was intended to give thanks and seek guidance and blessings for the month ahead, including prayers for the safe travel of participants and for the well-being of the country.
The minister said Heritage Month should ultimately serve as an opportunity for Guyana to celebrate and further appreciate the richness of its Indigenous culture.