Indigenous drive hosted to observe Indigenous Peoples Day

On the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples the United Nations, through UNESCO, and the High Commission of Canada in Guyana supported the St. Cuthbert's Mission/Pakuri Village to host an Indigenous Drive, which is an initiative aimed to promote Indigenous culture, making it more visible and integrated into everyday life.

Toshao for St. Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri Village, Timothy Andrews, noted that most persons in Georgetown only experience Indigenous culture when they visit interior communities. Through the Indigenous drive, nearly 60 residents of St. Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri Village proudly brought their culture to Guyana’s capital city.

“Seeing an Amerindian person dressed in their native wear in the heart of Georgetown should not be a surprise; we are proud citizens of Guyana,” said Toshao Andrews. “This drive helps shift perceptions and increase awareness of indigenous culture,” he added.

During their visit to the UN House House in Georgetown, the group interacted with UN Heads of agencies and staff. Dr. Gillian Smith, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. highlighted the role of Indigenous women, particularly in perpetuating traditional knowledge and indigenous languages to younger generations. She further noted that Indigenous languages are part of our common human heritage and pertinent to achieving the sustainable development goals and targets. Dr. Smith encouraged all efforts to revitalise and preserve Indigenous languages, including support for the UN’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The decade will serve as a key platform to coordinate global actions and address the critical status of many indigenous languages.

Dr. Smith acknowledged the work of UN Agencies in some Indigenous communities across Guyana. Many UN Agencies work along with government, local authorities and civil society organisations to implement projects and provide key services in Indigenous communities. UN support ranges from educational services to healthcare services and treatment, Amerindian land titling process, ICT access and e-services, strengthening social and health systems, supporting Indigenous communities with migrants and indigenous migrants, to traditional knowledge systems.

At the High Commission of Canada, the team met with the High Commissioner of Canada, His Excellency Mark Berman, where they discussed Canada’s role as a partner and friend to local Indigenous communities. Canada has been a strong advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples and the High Commission has been a funding partner to several key projects for the development of Indigenous communities across Guyana.

“We look forward to facilitating more collaborations of this nature in the preservation of the richness of the Indigenous culture. Cultural exchanges, like this one, are an especially distinctive vehicle for sharing Indigenous people’s expression, uniqueness and experiences and we are profoundly grateful to share this cultural exchange with you. Indigenous peoples have been the custodians of a vault of knowledge on the environment, arts, foods, medicines and traditions, to name a few, that we must preserve as we focus on a pathway to learning, respect and reconciliation,” the High Commissioner said.

The drive included engagements with several partners to identify opportunities for collaborations to make Indigenous culture more visible in the capital. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, the Honourable Pauline Sukhai and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, the Honourable Lennox Shuman, accompanied the team throughout the day as they met with partners and toured the city in their cultural wear.

In her remarks at UN House and the High Commission of Canada Hon. Pauline Campbell Sukhai, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Minister Sukhai shared how women, including teachers, have been instrumental in the Hinterland communities in passing on languages and culture and ensuring that the young people know their traditions. “There are a lot of influences which prevents Indigenous youth in coastal areas from identifying with their culture but Indigenous youth in the Hinterland are significantly closer to their culture and language,” the Minister noted. The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering Indigenous women, recognising their role in national and community efforts to preserve Indigenous languages and culture. 

The residents of the St. Cuthbert's Mission/Pakuri Village stated that this year's drive is just one in many that they wish to have to continue to showcase the village’s cultural heritage in Georgetown and other parts of Guyana, and to engage with people and national leaders.

The group also met with His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana  and also participated in the day’s observance at the Umana Yana, hosted by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the National Toshaos’ Council, to advance the interest of indigenous communities.

The International Day of the of the World Indigenous People’s Day is celebrated on August 9th every year to raise awareness about the importance of the protection of indigenous rights and also recognise and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous people. The theme for 2022 is 'The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge'.