Indigenous women and youths call for more education and awareness on the Amerindian Act of 2006
Indigenous women and youths from the Upper Mazaruni District, Region Seven, are calling for increased awareness and education on the Amerindian Act of 2006.
These calls were made last week during a three-day leadership and governance workshop in the Upper Mazaruni District, which targeted Indigenous women and youth.
The workshop, facilitated by the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in collaboration with the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC), took place between October 29 and November 1, 2024, in Paurima Village, Region Seven. The Nia Tero Foundation, which supports the work of the APA and the UMDC, provided funding for this activity. Participants included over a hundred women and youth from Jawalla, Phillipai, Omanaik, Kamarang, Waramadong, Kako, Paruima, and Chinoweing.
During the three days, both women and youth were exposed to leadership and governance concepts to understand the leadership styles that best promote Indigenous peoples’ rights and people-centered development and governance at the community level. Participants also explored the elements of effective communication, public speaking in leadership roles, land and resource management and community development.
While discussing village governance, many participants expressed that, although they are aware of the Amerindian Act, they are not familiar with its full contents. They recommended creating more opportunities to deepen their understanding of the law and their rights as Indigenous Peoples.
The participants also used the opportunity to highlight some of the issues affecting their respective communities, including illegal mining and limited monitoring and protection of the environment, especially their waterways.
At the close of the activity, participants shared a series of key recommendations to strengthen district-wide community development and engagement. They emphasized the need for increased training in critical areas such as finance, accounting, office administration, leadership, and public speaking. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of human rights education, legal knowledge, and guidance on the Toshao election process.
Participants also proposed a phased initiative for language preservation and encouraged village councils to create youth engagement strategies that could include stipends and exchange programs between villages and regions. The need for Global Positioning System (GPS) and mapping training, especially in Omanaik, was identified as a priority, along with the implementation of craft skills training for the entire Upper Mazaruni Centre.
These recommendations are designed to build a more inclusive and empowered district, driving sustainable development and active community participation.
The workshop sessions were facilitated by staff from the APA’s Policy and Mapping and Monitoring departments with support from the UMDC’s advisor Mr John Andries.
This is the third activity of its kind facilitated by the collaborative efforts of the APA and UMDC. It is a direct response to repeated calls for training targeting Indigenous women and youth in the Region. In 2021, the first women and youth workshop was held in Kamarang/Warwatta, and the second in Kako Village, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven.
These trainings are anticipated to develop new and emerging leaders with a strong sense of leadership who are proud of their heritage and traditions and knowledgeable of their rights in the context of village and national development efforts and policy changes.
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