By Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, Ph.D, Programme Coordinator, UNESCO Office in Kingston, Jamaica.
More than two decades ago, in 1999, the Indigenous communities of Guyana held their first National Toshaos Conference to discuss contemporary challenges and formulate a common position on critical issues that have devastating effects on livelihoods, environmental and natural resources sustainability and the well-being of Indigenous peoples. This conference has evolved into becoming an annual gathering, and today provides a vision of unity to many Indigenous peoples all around the world.