By Miranda LaRose
Saturday, August 10th was a red letter day for the relatively newly-formed Nine Nations
Group as they successfully staged a much larger exhibition and fashion show – Imaginations II – than they did last year, under the theme ‘Ina eseru’ (our traditions in the Akawaio language) at the Black Magenta in Georgetown.
The one-day activity marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples observed globally on 9th August and featured an exhibition of authentic indigenous foods, beverages, art, craft, music and dance during the daylight hours and a fashion show in the evening. Stabroek Weekend observed that both events, of which two of the main sponsors were Gold Target Export and Guyana Tourism Authority, were well-attended.
Face-painting and tattoos are part of Indigenous cultures and they were prominent in the make-up of the apparel along with stylish necklaces and earrings made of beads and seeds to complement the flamboyant feathered headdresses and colourful hand-painted cotton fabric. Among the audience was former vice president and former minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock who noted that featuring their “powerful heritage” brought a lot of value to the First Peoples of Guyana. The occasion was filled with “happiness and joy”, emotions that are much needed, he said.
Nine Nations Public Relations Officer Dr Jimmy Hendricks said that over 50 individuals dedicated their energy, time and resources to pull off the event that included chefs, artists, designers, poets, singers, makeup artists and dancers. It was a follow-up to last year’s Imaginations which was held at another venue on a smaller scale. Admission to the exhibition was free for spectators but a cost was attached to attend the fashion show.
Included among those exhibiting artwork were Nigel Butler, event décor and coordinator, Cosmata Lindie, Dillon Craig, Charlesdel Valenzuela, Oswald Hussein, Ransford Simon and Demion Mack.
Performers included Nine Nations Culture Group, Santa Aratak Crimson Topaz Culture Group, the Castro Brothers, Daniela Araujo and Mathias Gonsalves.
Among the exhibitors were individuals and organisations that included Warapoka Pride, Curbside Eats, Sylvia Prince Bar B Que, Miranda Bernard from Pakuri, Prince James Williams and Nikita Simon of Pakuri, Leon Couchman, Arawak Craft and Traditional Jewelry, Lethem Rupununi Adventures, Lethem Exclusive Apparel, Amerindian Peoples Association, Gender Justice for All, a health booth, Ebesowana Foods and the Moving Circle of Artists.
On show and on sale were paintings and wooden sculptures, balata craft, tibisiri craft and other forms of intricate and unique artwork.
Curbside Eats provided mouth-watering roasted chicken, corn and calabresa, which were complemented with healthy glasses or 200 ml of the potato wine popularly known as ‘fly’ by several providers. The traditional dish, ‘tuma’ made from the cassava water which is similar to that of the ‘kadakura’ by the coastal Indigenous Peoples was also served.
Faye Stewart of Mahdia and now a resident in Georgetown, in a Facebook post said, “Great things happen when Indigenous People come together and support each other. It was everything I’ve never experienced. Congrats to the organisers on a job well done. Please make it an annual event.”
Stewart along with Kenneth Edwards Jnr co-hosted as mistress and master of ceremonies for the fashion show. Edwards, 17, is a former hinterland scholar who is now a first year student at the University of Guyana.
The organisation of the event was headed by Nine Nations President Shericka Ambrose, a designer and makeup artist, was a model in the fashion show. Like many of the executive members of Nine Nations, she is a former hinterland scholarship student. She was the 2015 Miss Amerindian Heritage. She partnered with Natasha David to design and display a swimwear collection. At one time she had indicated a desire to stage a fashion show. She did it this year.
Among the others showcasing their lines of clothing were Selina Philips and Jelina Da Silva with a collection called Arrow Blossom, Matt and Annie’s Art, Vanda Designs, t-shirts by Lethem Exclusive Apparel, Nigel Butler (NIXX), Elizabeth and Randy Williams of Paramakatoi and Manicy and Marcella Allicock.
Models included Grace Williams, Michaela Mc Garrell, Natalie Butler, Valda Williams, Marlon Domingo, Elbert John and Aliya Melville. Tristana Roberts assisted in training the models and she too took to the stage.
The objectives of Nine Nations Group include cultural revitalisation, empowerment through education, creative expression, community engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship, advocacy, activism and change, leadership development, digital connectivity, cultural exchange and collaboration.
It envisions a future where Indigenous youths are empowered, supported and visible and have access to a safe space for cultural learning, expression and development, according to group secretary, Nelsonia Persaud.
