The Museum of Anthropology under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport held a cultural ceremony today in commemoration of the start of Heritage Month which will officially commence on Sunday.
Heritage Month was first introduced in 1995 by the late President, Cheddi Jagan to honour the contributions of Guyana’s first people. The month of celebrations is being held under the theme “Honouring our Culture Advancing our Future”.
Today’s celebration is a part of series of events that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport hosts whenever there are holidays that are related to the religious and ethnic groups. During the celebration, the staff of the Ministry, and invited guests were entertained by the St. Cuthbert’s Mission dance group and storytelling by Telford Taylor. They were also treated to Amerindian delicacies.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony noted that the celebration was intended to give people a better understanding of the Amerindians and their cultural heritage. In this regard, the Ministry has been working with the indigenous population to capture aspects of their heritage.
He pointed out that through the Walter Roth Museum a better understanding of the indigenous people can be had.
One of the success stories is that in the Berbice River some interesting finds were made dating back to 3000 BC which, based on preliminary studies, indicate that Guyana would have been among the first to have the earliest civilisation. This is prior to the existence of the Mayas and even the Incas. The Minister also recalled the findings that were made in another archeological mission in Region 9.
He mentioned that the Ministry is working with several communities to establish community museums through which the residents would be able to better share their culture with visitors. Additionally, steps are being taken to preserve the languages of the nine indigenous tribes.
Minister Anthony indicated that thus far seven dictionaries have already been completed, and it is hoped that once the remaining two are completed, the entire series would be published. He added that stories are also being collected in native dialects and would then be translated to English.
In keeping with this thrust, the Coordinator of the Wapishana Literacy Association, Adrian Gomes from Region 9 today received a book entitled Wapichannao Kuwaa – Wapishana stories from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport. This effort is a part of the Ministry’s desire to assist indigenous communities in the preservation of their languages.
Some of the activities that will be pulled off during September include cultural nights and craft and food exhibitions which will be held at the Amerindian Village, National Exhibition Complex, Sophia; Heritage village celebration in Karasabai, South Pakaraimas, Region 9; A reflection on the life and achievements of Stephen Campbell at the Umana Yana; heritage dinner at the Georgetown Club; Arawak language revival project launch at Capoey Village, Region 2; Amerindian sports fest at GCC Ground, Georgetown and a pageant at the National Cultural Centre.
http://culture.mcys.gov.gy/culture-minister-highlights-advances-in-preserving-indigenous-heritage/