Dear Editor,
As the indigenous peoples of Guyana are celebrating “Indigenous Heritage Month”, I believe it is most fitting to write this article about my cultural identity.
Growing up in an indigenous community I recollect not one instance where I was compelled to consciously exert my indigenous identity since all I knew to exist was us; Amerindians of the Upper Mazaruni. References to ourselves in our language all seemed insignificant. There was no prevailing need to consistently distinguish ourselves from any non-indigenous groups, until of course, I came to Georgetown for schooling. My entry into coastal colloquial conversations shifted this condition into a constant internal assessment of what is commonly perceived about us as opposed to how I see myself.
Ironically, arrival on the coast also sparked a wave of cultural consciousness, simultaneous to the realization of my supposed self, through the lenses of others, either through their verbal labels and connotations or as reflected through their attitudes toward people of my descent. It seemed that I must submit to their labels as if I didn’t possess one of my own. Given the meta messages encoded in “buck”, it was conveniently used to denigrate my dignity and cultural identity or “remind” me of my space in the Guyanese society. Out of formality or respect, “Amerindian” or “Indigenous” is often recommended. However, after perennial neglect or mere indifference stemming from a condition of a disempowered state, it is time I reclaim and reassert my identity as to what I want to be called as an Indigenous youth. I believe Indigenous empowerment begins by reclaiming, reasserting or reminding ourselves, while enlightening others, of our endogenous identities, and not leave others to define us.
Call me Kapong. Kapong, Kapon, or Kapohn (spelling variations) is an autodenomination used by indigenous peoples of the sister tribes of Akawaio and Patamuna. Without much excavation of its etymology, Kapong simply means “the people” and originates from within the nation (an autonym), and is a significant element of our cultural identity. Kapong describes us as a distinct group of people practising the Kapong culture (Kapong eseru), speaking Kapong maimu (Kapong language), inhabiting Kapong nono (Kapong land). Even today, Kapong trumps the title Akawaio across communities like Kako, Jawalla, Waramadong and Phillipai among others. Interestingly, its scope of use has been extending to encompass any person of indigenous heritage, whether Makushi, Arawak, Carib etc., distinguishing them from other ethnicities. However, these nations express their own identities as they choose, as the Lokono people have done.
As of present, I have adopted this “identity” on my social media profiles and have received tremendous feedback. Both indigenous and non-indigenous friends are calling me “Kapong” progressively during our spontaneous encounters which is culturally empowering and comparatively respectful because of its intrinsic reference to my personhood, beingness, and cultural identity.
In closing, I wish to urge all readers to develop an understanding of our cultural identities during this month-long celebrations. Seek from your indigenous comrade, what he or she wants to be called and restrain from denigratory labels as we develop mutual respect as Guyanese citizens. And remember, call me Kapong!
Yours faithfully,
Romario Hastings
(Kapong)
