The theme of the Conference was Our Land, Our Culture, Our Life. Some seventy Toushaos from across the country participated in this conference where there were other local and international representatives. Some of the other local representatives included village councillors, church and other leading members of the communities, and culture groups. A representative of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Mr. Vivian Federicks, was also present. The foreign representatives included Fergus Mac Kay of the Forest Peoples Programme, Enrique Ortiz of W. Alton Jones Foundation, Steve Tullberg and Armstrong Wiggins of the Indian Law Resource Centre.
The main purpose of this conference was to discuss and develop consensus amongst Amerindian leaders about pressing issues confronting Amerindians today. These included land rights, reform of Guyana’s constitution, the establishment of protected areas, the impact of logging and mining on the environment and communities, and the present local government system as it relates to Amerindian communities. Special focus was also placed on traditional values and cultural revival and resuscitation.
Coming out of the various working group discussions were a number of recommendations to address various issues of concern. These were formulated into resolutions, statements and recommendations which were agreed upon by all present.
Toushao Tony James of Aishalton addressing delegates at Toushaos Conference
A peace treaty symbolising friendship, unity and peace among the 9 Amerindian
Peoples of Guyana was also signed by the Toushaos present. To futher seal this
unity, the Toushaos all drank parakari from one calabash. Parakari is the traditional
drink of the Wapisiana and Makushi Peoples.
Toushao John Atkinson of Moruca taking part in the peace drink. Uncle John as he is fondly known is the oldest Toushao in Guyana.
Delegates day 1 of Toushaos Conference