THOUSANDS from across the country continue to converge at the Sophia Exhibition Centre to participate in the Amerindian Food and Craft Show which is part of Amerindian Heritage Month 2011 celebrations. The exhibition, launched on Friday last and which will run until  Monday September 5, provides an opportunity for the  indigenous peoples from every region to display their unique craft and their distinct brand of Amerindian cuisine , while at the same highlighting  aspects of their rich culture.
“Our culture, our heritage, our life: A fusion of Indigenous Diversity” the theme for this year’s celebrations, pays homage to the multifaceted mixture of traditions and customs that embodies the Amerindian identity.
In her address during the opening ceremony, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, Yvonne Pearson emphasised  that  Amerindians continue to play a pivotal role in the development of the country and as part of their responsibilities as Guyanese , they too need to ensure  that all live up to the country’s motto.
She said: “It is our responsibility to merge, to blend, to bring together, to use different forms or different ways to ensure that we live up to our motto of One people, One Nation, One Destiny.”
In keeping with this aim, Amerindians from as far as Surama, in Region 9 (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) ventured to the Exhibition Centre to play their role in sharing aspects of their lives and culture.
September was declared Amerindian heritage month by late president Dr. Cheddi Jagan in 1995 after recognizing the need to affirm the unique culture of Guyana’s indigenous people.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has planned a programme of celebrations to commemorate the observances, beginning with  an inter-faith religious service at the Umana Yana, which took place on Wednesday, August 31
In addition to the exhibition which commenced on Friday , a Heritage Walk was staged  yesterday (Sunday 4th)  which began at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.
There will also be an exhibition and reflection on the life of Stephen Campbell, at the Umana Yana, on September 8.
The Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant, at the National Cultural Centre, will take place on September 17 and a Sports and Family Fun Day is set for September 18. There will also be a dinner and appreciation ceremony, on September 30 at Roraima Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Kingston, and on October 1, the “Grand Heritage Finals” will be held at Mainstay, Region Two, to conclude the celebratory month. (CHEVON SINGH)