THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is stepping up efforts to preserve and revive Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural practices, with particular attention being placed on communities where aspects of Indigenous heritage are increasingly at risk of being lost.
This was according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Brown-Shadeek, who highlighted the importance of cultural preservation during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast, noting that greater connectivity with the outside world and the influence of social media have contributed to changes in some Indigenous communities.
She pointed to Region Nine as an example where Indigenous traditions, languages and ways of life remain deeply rooted, while acknowledging that other communities face greater challenges in maintaining their cultural practices.
Among the areas of concern is the Lokono language, particularly among communities along Guyana’s coast. Brown-Shadeek, who is herself Lokono, shared her personal experience of growing up without learning the language, despite being raised in one of the largest Lokono villages.
She said the experience demonstrated how quickly a language and cultural practices can disappear when they are not passed from one generation to the next. The minister noted that while she retained knowledge of some traditional crafts, she had yet to teach some of these practices or traditional stories to her own children.
Against this backdrop, she said the ministry is supporting cultural groups across the country to encourage the preservation and promotion of Indigenous traditions. She also highlighted efforts to make Indigenous culture more visible and accepted among younger generations, recounting how her son had initially felt ashamed of wearing traditional clothing at the opening of Amerindian Heritage Month, but became more comfortable after seeing other young people and performers dressed similarly.
The ministry is also working with the Ministry of Education to explore the incorporation of the Lokono language into the primary school curriculum. She said bringing the language into the formal education system could complement informal efforts within families and communities and help strengthen awareness and usage among younger generations.
She identified Lokono as one of the Indigenous languages currently most in need of revitalisation, while noting that other languages, including Warao and Carib, remain comparatively more active.
The minister stressed that continued support for cultural groups, language preservation and the involvement of children will be critical to ensuring that Guyana’s Indigenous heritage remains alive for future generations.
