…as a support group for American students

The University of Guyana Indigenous Student Society (UGISS) was established at the Türkiye Campus on Wednesday. It is the first student-led organization dedicated to building a supportive network for Indigenous students and creating a space where they can celebrate and preserve their heritage.

UGISS serves as a platform to promote awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity, languages ​​and traditions of Guyana’s indigenous nations.
UGISS founder Alliah Simon, originally from Pakuri Village (St. Cuthbert’s Mission), graduated last Thursday with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

He is a proud Lokono who continues his journey through a deep commitment to conservation and Indigenous advocacy. Simon works at the Iwokrama International Center for Rainforest Conservation and Development in the city and moved to Georgetown for his work.

He will pursue advanced studies such as a Master of Conservation Degree in Biology to contribute to the field of natural resources in Guyana.
As for the development of his village Pakuri, he joined the Pakuri Harmony Hall group led by his colleague to support community-based projects.

“I founded the Indigenous Students Society at the University of Guyana because I saw a real need for representation, community and support for Indigenous students. As an Indigenous student myself, I understand how difficult the transition to university life can be, especially for those coming from the hinterland or our Indigenous villages.

“This often means adapting to a new environment while trying to stay true to our cultural roots. During my four years at UG, I realized that there was no space dedicated to supporting Indigenous students on or off campus. This society aims to fill that gap, creating a space where we can feel at home, support each other through shared experiences, and celebrate our heritage together,” said Simon.

He said the group will help others by creating a sense of community through society, offering mentorship and organizing events where they can share our cultures with the broader university community.
Simon said they plan to host workshops, cultural exchanges and language sessions where members can learn, teach and connect in ways that strengthen us individually and collectively.

“Many of us come from remote villages, leaving our families and communities behind, and this community is here to provide that sense of belonging and connection on campus,” he said.
Simon reported that another important reason for establishing the group was the need for better representation of Indigenous Peoples and cultures.

Indigenous voices and traditions are often overlooked, he noted, but they have a wealth of knowledge, skills and languages ​​that need to be recognized and preserved.
“As a society led by Indigenous peoples for Indigenous peoples, our primary goals are to support each other, strengthen our cultural roots, and share our heritage with the university and the broader community. “There are nine indigenous nations in Guyana, each with their own traditions and ways of life, but much of our traditional knowledge, especially our languages, is in danger of being lost,” he said.

Simon added that their slogan “Preserving Our Past, Strengthening Our Future” reflects their determination to ensure that our knowledge, languages ​​and skills are not only remembered but also celebrated and passed on to future generations.

He said he hopes to make a lasting impact through this community that will benefit Indigenous students now and for years to come.
Meanwhile, President/Co-Founder Sylvany Roberston is a young Arecuna leader from Paruima Village, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), in her third year as a microbiology student.
Roberston is 18 years old and passionate about becoming a Forensic Scientist. He initially wanted to become a medical doctor, but changed his mind and focused on improving himself in the field of biology.

He reports that he comes from a family of three siblings and is from the picturesque village of Pariuma, and believes in empowering others, especially Native Americans.
Roberston added that there was no one in the UG to motivate them and they felt it was time for a change to help themselves as well as others through a body, so UGISS was formed with 39 registered members, all of whom were Indians, and the executive body consisted of nine members .

After completing his studies, he plans to return to his village to empower others with certain rights and advocate against alcohol addiction, among others. Robertson is a committed advocate for Indigenous culture, environmental protection and educational advancement.

He has already made a significant impact by advocating for the preservation of Indigenous heritage and environmental stewardship on a variety of platforms.
Through UGISS, he plans to empower Indigenous students, foster cultural pride, and raise awareness of Indigenous issues.

Under his leadership, the community is working to create a supportive campus environment and is planning projects such as a language app to help users learn expressions and honor cultural heritage to preserve the languages ​​of Guyana’s nine Indigenous nations.

In 2024, Sylvany represented the Seventh District at the prestigious Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant.
His platform emphasized the importance of eco-tourism for community development and preservation of traditional knowledge. This advocacy reflects his deep love for nature, stemming from his childhood spent in the lush surroundings of Paruima, and his respect for the land and culture of the Arekuna people.

Sylvany envisions initiatives that blend her scientific knowledge with her commitment to community development by giving back to her village. Her goals include launching programs to develop women’s skills and providing greater access to health and wellness resources.