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