Spotlight once again on nation’s first peoples

Sep 05, 2016 News

The spotlight is once again on Guyana’s first peoples, their way of life, culture, music and food as another Indigenous Heritage Month is being celebrated.
The official ceremony of the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month 2016 was held last Thursday at the Sophia Heritage Village, Sophia Exhibition compound.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being garlanded

President David Granger along with Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe taking the salute at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month

The programme which saw President David Granger delivering the feature address was attended by hundreds of indigenous people and other Guyanese. A high- level delegation of Government Ministers including Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo were also part of the audience.
Members of the diplomatic corps, members of parliament, members of the opposition and indigenous representative organisations were also present for the opening.
The programme which was organised by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs provided an opportunity for indigenous youths and talent groups from across the country to showcase their skills.

Some of the craft work on display

Indigenous foods and drinks on display at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month

The National Pledge was recited in the Makushi language by the Rupertee Culture Group, a prayer offered in the Arecuna language by the Paruima Culture Group, the Surama Culture Group performed a dance; another cultural item was performed by the Jawalla Culture Group while the Hinterland Scholarship Choir performed a song for the audience.
All the cultural groups converged on the stage to perform the final ceremonial dance bringing the ceremony to a close. Following this, the President, Prime Minister, Ministers of Government, members of the diplomatic corps and other invited guests toured the complex where indigenous foods, crafts and beverages were on display and on sale.
The exhibition ended yesterday.

Indigenous Heritage Month is being observed under the theme, “Our Culture, Earth’s Future, Save the Environment, Live the Indigenous Way.
This year Mainstay/Whyaka, in Region Two has been identified as Heritage Village. The village will come under the spotlight on September 10, when it will host the grand celebrations for the Indigenous Heritage month.