Preservation of indigenous culture, languages sees collaboration between Guyana and Canada

A collaborative effort will be taken by Guyana and Canada to preserve the indigenous people’s
culture, language and way of life. The disclosure was made by Amerindian Affairs Minister,
Pauline Sukhai, on Tuesday at the ceremonial unveiling of the indigenous mural, which is titled
“We the first people”.
“Guyana and Canada have continued to share strong bilateral relations that are decades old.
These relations are built on a foundation of shared principles, policies and traits. Even deeper
than these, our country shared a connection based on our indigenous heritage, our respect and
our appreciation of our culture…It is through our rich culture and our heritage and our identity
that we are connected,” Sukhai said.

The ceremony was held at the Canadian High Commission. The minister noted that Guyana will
continue to fight for the rights and protection of the Amerindian people as they promote cultural
exchanges, languages and their way of life. “Internationally the first people have made and
continue to make an indelible mark on the world…In Guyana we are continuously advocating for
the promotion, protection and promulgation of the way of live, cultural heritage and languages of
the Amerindian people,” she stressed. Minister Sukhai pointed out that Government will ensure
full development and recognition of the importance of the indigenous people’s
contributions. “The indigenous culture is an integral part of the tourism sector,” she added as
persons travel from across the world to experience this culture.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond noted the mural is significant as it
brings together two Governments in friendship and cooperation as they seek to protect the
Amerindian culture. She said that it also seeks to develop the tourism industry. “It brings
together the Governments of Canada and Guyana, as well as our respected indigenous nations in
a spirit of friendship, kinship and cooperation…,” she said. She continued, “It builds on the
many similarities between our countries with their significant indigenous populations and aligns
completely with the central place that we see in Guyana for our indigenous peoples and
communities in our tourism development strategies.”
Walrond pointed out that the mural will add a voice and visibility to the nations of first people,
while also noting President Ali’s promise to invest more in Amerindian communities to address
developmental gaps between these communities and others across the country. “This work of art
prominently is placed as it is will add to the voice and visibility of our indigenous peoples. It
joins the Umana Yana, and the Guyana Marine turtle monument (which) are intimately
connected to the stories of our indigenous nations,” Minister Walrond said. Meanwhile,
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Mark Berman said the art will allow
for Canada to support new and innovative forms of indigenous expressions. The Canadian
diplomat said that it is necessary as it represents the global effort to preserve endangered
indigenous languages. “This activity is symbolic of our shared values and our long-standing
friendship. The mural provides Canada the opportunity to support new and innovative forms of
indigenous expressions, through art…,” Berman said

The Canadian Ambassador added, “The significance of this is rooted in global efforts to preserve
indigenous languages, as many of them are endangered.”  The mural painted by young
indigenous artist, Mr. Nigel Butler is an abstract piece depicting patterns and designs from the
first nations of Canada and Indigenous peoples of Guyana. An inscription on the mural stating
“Welcome to the High Commission of Canada” was done in Akawaio, a local indigenous
language. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lennox Shuman, MP, British High
Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller, US Ambassador to Guyana, Her
Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch and other members of the diplomatic corps were also present at the
ceremony.