Amerindian Heritage Month (Guyana)

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

History[edit]

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[edit]

The official opening of Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations takes place at the Umana Yana on the first day of September.[3] 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]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Welcome to Micobie! — Heritage Village 2012 - guyanachronicle.com/2012/09/09/welcome-to-micobie-heritage-village-2012/
  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. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b 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.
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