Legislative Development and Protection
The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has been actively involved in building the capacity of Indigenous Peoples to understand the provisions of the Amerindian Act of 2006. The Amerindian Act is the key piece of legislation that governs Indigenous Peoples in Guyana and while it offers some protection of our rights, it does not fully do so. The revision of the Amerindian Act is important to ensure that the rights and interests of Indigenous individuals and peoples are adequately protected and promoted, therefore, the call for the Act to be revised and brought into conformance with international rights protections for Indigenous Peoples
The APA works with communities and District Councils to document their views and concerns about the existing Amerindian Act. These sessions aim to ensure that any revisions to the Act reflect the needs and aspirations of the Indigenous Peoples.
The communities and District Councils have collectively developed detailed recommendations for revising the Amerindian Act. These recommendations address issues such as land rights, resource management, and governance structures within Indigenous communities.
The APA works with legal experts to analyze the current Amerindian Act and identify areas where it falls short in protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. These analyses inform our advocacy and recommendations for legal reforms. The APA also advocates for revisions that align with international standards on Indigenous rights, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169 and the United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).
Overall, the APA’s work on the revision of the Amerindian Act is crucial for advancing indigenous rights and holistic development of Indigenous Peoples in Guyana. Through the promotion of policies, advocacy, legal analysis, capacity building, and collaboration, the APA strives to ensure that the revised Act adequately protects and promotes the interests of Indigenous communities.
Governance: Institutional Strengthening with District and Village Councils
The APA conducts training with District and Village Councils to strengthen their governance systems. This work is critical for the empowerment of the Village and District Council, enhancing their capacity to manage resources, and ensuring they can effectively advocate for their rights and interests.
The APA provides training and support in effective leadership, governance, and administration. This includes workshops on roles and responsibilities of Village and District Councils, strategic planning, and conflict resolution. To ensure that District and Village Councils are well-versed in their rights and the legal framework governing Indigenous communities, the APA conducts educational sessions on the Amerindian Act, land rights, and other relevant legislation in collaboration with our local and international partners.
The APA also works with the Village and District Councils to develop and strengthen internal governance structures of councils, ensuring that they operate transparently and democratically. This can involve setting up systems for regular meetings, decision-making processes, and community consultations. We also work with the Councils to improve and systemize financial management practices, including budgeting, accounting, and reporting. This is vital for ensuring that councils can effectively manage funds and resources.
The aim of the APA's work in institutional strengthening with District and Village Councils is to empower Indigenous communities to manage their own affairs effectively, advocate for their rights, and pursue sustainable development that aligns with their cultural values and aspirations.
Land Tenure: Supporting Communities’ Land Rights
Land is sacred to Indigenous Peoples since we live as one with our land and environment. Therefore, the rights and access to lands must be protected for Indigenous Peoples. The APA plays a pivotal role in supporting Indigenous communities in Guyana with land rights issues. Our work encompasses various activities to ensure that Indigenous communities can secure, manage, and protect their traditional lands.
The APA supports the use of participatory mapping techniques and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to document traditional land use and occupancy. These maps are critical for land claims and negotiations with the government and other stakeholders. Additionally, we work with communities to train persons in the use of mapping equipment so they can know and record their territories.
The APA assists communities with the process of applying for the extension of their boundaries by working with them to plot and identify their boundaries, extension zones and providing legal support. We also work with communities to resolve conflicts they may have over shared boundaries and resources.
APA’s work in land rights support is crucial for protecting the cultural heritage, livelihoods, and autonomy of Indigenous communities in Guyana. By providing legal assistance, building capacity, advocating for policy changes, and promoting sustainable land use practices, the APA helps to secure a future where Indigenous Peoples can thrive on their ancestral lands.
Building Capacity Towards Environmental Protection
The environment and its protection are part of the tradition of Indigenous Peoples in Guyana, and the APA has been supporting capacity building towards protecting our environment. This work involves a comprehensive approach that includes education, training, resource management, and advocacy.
The APA places emphasis on the integration of traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices. This includes documenting and applying traditional ecological knowledge in resource management plans. We also educate communities on the importance of protecting water sources and implementing sustainable water use and conservation practices.
The APA works with communities to train persons in community-based monitoring. These persons often track environmental changes and impacts, such as deforestation, water pollution, and wildlife depletion. These systems empower communities to take proactive measures to protect their environment.
GIS Mapping
The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) plays a crucial role in helping Indigenous Peoples understand the maps of their territories since it is a key component of our mission to secure and protect land tenure for Indigenous communities. Through participatory mapping processes, the APA collaborates with community members to document and map their ancestral lands. This work not only helps communities define their territorial boundaries but also provides essential data to support land claims and advocate for Indigenous rights.
The maps are generated using nationally available data and captures vital information about land use, cultural sites, ecosystems, and natural resources, all of which are central to the identity and livelihood of Indigenous Peoples. By combining traditional knowledge with modern mapping technology, the APA empowers communities to preserve their land rights in the face of external pressures like land grabbing, deforestation, and climate change. This mapping work strengthens advocacy efforts, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard in national and global forums regarding land tenure and environmental protection.