Amerindian Heritage Month is an annual observance that is held every September in Guyana in honour of Guyana's indigenous peoples.[1]
History
editAmerindian 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
editThe 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]
References
edit- ^ "Welcome to Micobie! - Heritage Village 2012 - Guyana Chronicle". guyanachronicle.com. 9 September 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Smock, Kirk (2008). Guyana:The Bradt Travel Guide. UK: Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN 978-1-84162-223-1.
- ^ Lall, Jaianand (18 September 2011). "Amerindian Month 2011". Guyana Chronicle Online. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
- ^ a b Knews (2 September 2011). "Amerindians usher in Heritage Month 2011". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Stabroek Staff (2 September 2010). "Jagdeo promises computer banks - at heritage month launch". Stabroek News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
- ^ Knews (29 August 2009). "Orealla gears for Heritage celebrations despite controversy". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
- ^ Knews (8 September 2008). "Santa Aratak Prepares for Heritage Day". Kaieteur News. Retrieved 8 July 2012.