APA welcomes indigenous leaders to National Toshaos Council Conference

The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) extends a warm welcome to the Toshaos and other Indigenous leaders from across the nation as they convene in Georgetown for the National Toshaos Council’s (NTC) Conference. This annual gathering holds particular significance for Indigenous communities, which are currently navigating rapid changes that demand their active participation in decision-making processes.
The APA acknowledges the National Toshaos Conference as a vital platform for Indigenous leaders to collectively assess the progress and challenges facing their communities. As advocates for the advancement of Indigenous rights and wellbeing, the APA emphasises the importance of ensuring that Toshaos—who bear the responsibility of representing their people—are provided with an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and decision-making.
Central to this conference is the need for Indigenous leaders to freely express their perspectives, concerns, and proposed solutions on critical issues affecting their communities. These issues range from land rights and environmental threats to the provision of essential services such as education and healthcare. The APA stresses that leaders must be able to engage in these discussions in the language with which they are most comfortable, ensuring that their voices are fully heard and understood.
In light of the ongoing struggle for Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Guyana, the APA asserts that this conference must be driven by the priorities and concerns of the Indigenous communities themselves. While collaboration with various stakeholders is important, it is crucial that the conference remains a space where Indigenous leaders can advocate for their people without external influence or interference.
The APA calls for respect for the autonomy and self-determination of Indigenous leadership and supports dialogue that is rooted in the voices and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples. The association hopes that this conference will be a true reflection of the unity, resilience, and strength of Indigenous communities across Guyana.