Dear Editor,
Happy Heritage Month to all Guyana, especially fellow Indigenous brethrens and sistrens located throughout the length and breadth of this beautiful country. First of all, I would like to remember and give thanks to Mr. Stephen Campbell for taking that bold initiative in being the trailblazer and founding father for the recognition of the country’s Indigenous People. Secondly to recognize the late president Cheddi Jagan, for choosing the month of September to observe and celebrate our cultures and traditions as Guyana’s First People.
In showcasing our cultures which is inevitably intertwined with commercialism and mediocrity in the modern world, I observed that there is an aspect that is very dynamic and alive; which is our Indigenous languages. A unique wealth that reflects a positive contribution of sustainable development and linguistic preservation from our people despite the gradual advancement of the country since independence 56 years go. For all these years it is remarkable that 8 of the 9 Indi-genous groups continue to maintain their languages: Wapichan, Wai-Wai, Macushi, Patamona, Arecuna, Acawaio, Karina/ Carib and Warrau. Except for Lokono/ Arawak that is slowing dying which is a pity.
Editor, with the resilience of the above languages over these years, although they are used informally in schools and in other environments to communicate, I believe that they should be recognized formally and be included in nursery and primary schools’ curricula in Indigenous communities where the respective languages are spoken. Simultaneously, teachers who speak an Indigenous language as their mother tongue must be trained to teach in these educative institutions. When this becomes a reality, Guyana especially regions 7, 8, and 9 can be on par with neighbouring Bomfin municipal in Roraima, Brazil that approved Law number 21 in 2014 which granted for Wapichan and Macushi languages along with Portuguese, to be taught officially in schools in Indigenous communities.
Perhaps a community level approach involving everyone – churches, villagers, families, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the government can work together to make these languages officially recognized before it’s too late, because urbanization and modernity are creeping in communities rapidly. Additionally, the Indigenous queen’s pageant can also promote Indigenous languages to be recognized officially in schools as their platforms in the near future. Especially during this decade 2022-2033, which is an appropriate time that is in sync with what the United Nations General Assembly declared, ‘to draw attention to the critical status of many Indigenous languages across the world and encourage action for their preservation, revitalization and promotion’ can serve as a significant achievement to commemorate during future Heritage Month celebrations.
Sincerely,
Medino Abraham
