Guyana joins in observing World Indigenous Day

Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2012

Guyana today joined the rest of the world in celebrating the United Nations’ designated International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai spared no effort in highlighting the role the Indigenous people play in the social, political and economic development at the national and international levels.

During the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference today, Minister Sukhai stated that Guyana’s model for indigenous development has constantly raised the country’s image, which has been supported thus far, with the country being among the first 14 to implement the UN mechanism towards the rights of Indigenous peoples.

2005-2015 has been proclaimed by the United Nations as international decade of the rights of Indigenous peoples. A world conference is also planned in recognition of the occasion in 2014.

“As Amerindians, we are known for simple life, yet it does not take away from us as a people the intricate arts and crafts that we have produced, our language that we have observed and our cultural practices that linked our spirituality with a common respect to our environment which has helped us to preserve today the forest,” she said.

The theme for this year’s World Indigenous Day is “International Media- Empowering Indigenous Voices’ and aim to highlight the importance of Indigenous Media in challenging stereotypes.

According to Minister Sukhai, challenging stereotype is not uncommon in Guyana, as many have perceived Amerindians and perpetuated the wrong concept about their culture and way of life.

“Guyana has managed to support the growth and position of indigenous people. The government strength allows us to enforce through legislation many of the rights and privileges which we now enjoy. The ministry remains in the forefront working in a united way for and with Amerindians to have any remnants of such stereotype attitude eradicated,” the Minister stated.

While this year’s theme forges identity to community with the outside world, Government has and will continue to promote the participation of indigenous people, with the NTC being one such, she stated.

Meanwhile, United Nations Development Programme, Resident Representative, Khadija Musa who delivered a message on behalf of the Secretary General, Ban ki-Moon stated that since the adoption of the UN declaration Indigenous peoples, communities and individuals have been taking advantage of the reach of traditional news media to have their voices heard.

“Indigenous voices are recounting repelling stories of how they are combating centuries of injustice and discrimination, and advocating for the resources and rights that will preserve their cultures, languages, spirituality and traditions,” she said.

The message also called on Member States and the mainstream media to create and maintain opportunities for indigenous peoples to articulate their perspectives, priorities and aspirations.