Amerindian Heritage Month (Guyana)

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Amerindian Heritage Month is an annual observance that is held every September in Guyana in honour of Guyana's indigenous peoples. [1]

Contents

History

Amerindian Heritage Month has its beginnings in Amerindian commemorations of 10 September 1957 - the day on which Stephen Campbell became Guyana's first Amerindian Member of Parliament. [2] [3] On 10 September 1995, Guyana's Prime Minister, Cheddi Jagan, officially designated September as Amerindian Heritage Month. [4] [5] In memory of Campbell's achievement, 10 September is still celebrated as "Heritage Day". [6]

Events and festivities

The official opening of Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations takes place at the Umana Yana on the first day of September. Every year a 'Heritage Village' is selected, which becomes the focus of festivities, particularly on 10 September. [3] Previous Heritage Villages include: Micobie (2012), Aishalton (2011), Sophia (2010), Orealla (2009), and Santa Aratak (2008). [5] [7] [8] [9]

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References

  1. "Welcome to Micobie! - Heritage Village 2012 - Guyana Chronicle". guyanachronicle.com. 9 September 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  2. GINA (28 August 2003). "Amerindian Heritage Month launching Monday". GINA (Guyana's Government Information Agency). Archived from the original on 29 August 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  3. 1 2 Smock, Kirk (2008). Guyana:The Bradt Travel Guide. UK: Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN   978-1-84162-223-1.
  4. Lall, Jaianand (18 September 2011). "Amerindian Month 2011". Guyana Chronicle Online. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  5. 1 2 Knews (2 September 2011). "Amerindians usher in Heritage Month 2011". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  6. GINA (12 September 2011). "Heritage Village celebrations highlight contributions of Parliamentarian Stephen Campbell". GINA (Government Information Agency). Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  7. Stabroek Staff (2 September 2010). "Jagdeo promises computer banks - at heritage month launch". Stabroek News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  8. Knews (29 August 2009). "Orealla gears for Heritage celebrations despite controversy". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  9. Knews (8 September 2008). "Santa Aratak Prepares for Heritage Day". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.