Amerindian Heritage Month 2024 was officially inaugurated yesterday by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, in collaboration with the National Toshaos Council (NTC) in a ceremony that took place at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) said.
This year’s celebration, themed, “Many Voices, One Song. Celebrating Amerindian Heritage 2024”, includes new activities aimed at honouring the rich cultural tapestry and invaluable contributions of the Guyana’s first people.
September was dedicated as Amerindian Heritage Month by the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan in 1995, to ensure the contributions, culture, and history of Guyana’s indigenous people were celebrated and preserved.
Member of Parliament, Alistair Charlie, who delivered the keynote address, underscored the historical context and journey that has brought much prominence to Amerindian Heritage Month. “Amerindian Heritage Month serves as a beacon of our commitment to the justice, equity, and recognition of the unique cultural heritage that our Amerindian communities bring to our national identity.”
This year’s Amerindian Heritage Village is in Campbelltown in Region Eight.
According to DPI, the activities planned for Amerindian Heritage Month include a poem and jingle competition, Amerindians Got Talent (AGT), educational lectures, and events under the moonlight – activities that are being held for the first time.
Other activities include an Amer-indian interfaith service, a cultural extravaganza, crafts and cuisine and culture nights, a fitness walk, an art exhibition, heritage sports, school, and the heritage pageant. The month’s highlight will be heritage sports, expected to draw hundreds of athletes from Amerindian villages in the ten administrative regions.
