National Toshaos Council

𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚!

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙏𝘾 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙤𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝘼𝙪𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝟭𝟵𝙩𝙝-𝟮𝟯𝙧𝙙, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙛𝙛 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.

~𝙈𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩.

𝗜𝗻 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀.
Statement by Honourable Minister Pauline Sukhai

𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: 𝐕𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐘!!! 📢

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲!

Interested candidates can apply

CI Guyana, in partnership with the National Toshaos Council and the Government of Guyana, is pleased to announce the vacancy for a Village Sustainability Manager. The position is under the NTC's “Support for Village Planning and Implementation as part of Guyana’s REDD+ Programme” project.

Details on the vacancy, and how to apply, can be found at https://conservation.org.gy/opportunity/village-sustainability-manager/

Interested Candidates can apply before August 07, 2024.

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
The National Toshaos Council Conference is an annual event where Indigenous leaders gather to discuss issues affecting their communities for 1 week in Georgetown. It serves as a platform for Indigenous leaders to engage with government officials, advocate for their rights, and collaborate on solutions to improve the well-being of their communities. The conference highlights the importance of Indigenous voices in national policy-making.

𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙤𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙡! 𝙈𝙖𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡. 𝙀𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙖𝙮!

𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒕: 𝑽𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒚!

𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄!

A Strategic Planning Consultant is needed at the NTC. Interested parties and firms are encouraged to apply!

Visit https://ntcguyana.com/resources/ for the detailed Terms of Reference

🌍🌿 Happy World Environment Day from the National Toshaos Council! 🌿🌍

As stewards of Guyana's rich natural heritage, we recognize the vital role our Indigenous communities play in protecting our forests, rivers, and wildlife.

Let's recommit ourselves to sustainable practices and honor the wisdom of our ancestors in caring for our Earth. Together, we can create a healthier, greener future for all.



National Toshaos Council

𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒕: 𝑽𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒚!
A Strategic Planning Consultant is needed at the NTC. Interested parties and firms are encouraged to apply!

Visit https://ntcguyana.com/resources/ for the detailed Terms of Reference

𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙁𝙋𝙄𝘾 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩!

Are you passionate about fostering meaningful engagement and ensuring that communities have a voice in decisions that impact them? We are looking for a dedicated FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) Consultant to join our dynamic team!

For more information, access detailed Terms of Reference at:
https://ntcguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RFP-FPIC-Guidelines-Consultant_ToR.pdf

𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬

Full statement delivered by Mr. Shane Cornelius, Executive member of the National Toshaos’ Council of Guyana during the discussion on the theme “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth”:

Chair,
Guyana’s situation is one where Indigenous leaders and the Government enjoy a close working relationship. Our Indigenous Leaders meet regularly with government representatives, including an annual meeting of all Indigenous leaders, to discuss our development plans and issues affecting Indigenous Peoples.

I am therefore pleased, as a youth Indigenous leader, to form part of Guyana’s delegation to address this Permanent Forum as an elected leader of my Indigenous village. I also serve as an elected executive member of the National Toshaos Council, the highest legally recognized body of Indigenous Leaders in Guyana.

Chair,
Self-determination is crucial for preserving cultural identity, protecting Indigenous lands and ensuring the overall development and well-being of Indigenous peoples and their communities. In this regard, the Government and Indigenous leaders have recognized the important role of Indigenous youths and have initiated several programs and opportunities that seek to empower, include, and address the systemic barriers that historically hinder the full participation and inclusion of Indigenous youth.

Indigenous youths are provided with opportunities in various fields, including education, health, sports, entrepreneurship, leadership and governance. The Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Program provides direct income and skills training to more than 2500 Indigenous youths in every Indigenous village and local communities across the country.

Chair,
Indigenous youths are also custodians of our cultures, traditions, and lands. Our voices are vital in shaping policies and initiatives to advance our development. Our representation and meaningful participation in decision-making processes are evident in Guyana through our election and inclusion in leadership positions at every level.

The Amerindian Act provides for Indigenous youths to assume elected leadership positions in their Villages from the age of 18. Many young people, including yours truly, have been elected as leaders of their communities, and also serve on the National Toshaos Council, Youth Parliament and the President’s Youth Advisory Council where policies, programmes, initiatives, and strategies on issues affecting Indigenous communities are addressed.

Chair,
The National Toshaos’ Council endorses Guyana's commitment to enhancing Indigenous People's right to self-determination is evidenced in the empowerment of Indigenous youth to realize their full potential to contribute to the sustainable development of our communities and the nation.

Indigenous youths are changemakers and therefore, I encourage all youths to get involved. Educate, empower and position yourself. Take charge of leadership and play your role in decision making that will impact you now and in the future. We do not have the luxury of waiting for tomorrow. This Permanent Forum is an excellent platform for Indigenous youth to share experiences and learn from each other.

Thank you.

Watch NTC newest Project " Support to Village Planning and Implementation as part of Guyana's REDD+ Programme"

MONUMENTAL $600M PROJECT LAUNCHED TO DEVELOP AMERINDIAN VILLAGE PLANS A monumental project, valued at US$3M, was Wednesday evening launched to help indigenous communities across the country prepare village plans that will detai...

𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘*

*𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁, 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟴*

March 21, Kurukabaru– The National Toshaos Council (NTC), in partnership with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, successfully organized its second outreach in the North Pakaraima District, Region 8. The event aimed to engage with villages, satellites, and Community Development Councils (CDCs) within the district to address pertinent issues and foster collaboration between local leaders and the government of Guyana.
Through strengthened partnerships with its various partners and stakeholders, the NTC will be able to conduct regular outreach activities across various districts nationwide.
During this outreach initiative, executive members of the NTC provided valuable insights into the council's initiatives, including support for the creation of Village Sustainability 10-year plans. This will be made possible through the Village Planning and Implementation Project under Guyana’s REDD+ Programme.
Another substantive project that was shared with the leaders, which is being implemented by the Council is the development of a National Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocol. The outcome of this project is intended to inform stakeholders at all levels on how to conduct consultations and transactions with indigenous people.
A space was dedicated in the agenda, for the Executive members of NTC to listen to the leaders of the district about the challenges they face in their respective villages. They also talk about the development they have been experiencing as a result of being recipients of the Carbon Credit funds. The executives were elated to hear of the success stories shared by the leaders and offered their experiences and advice about the challenges mentioned in the session.
Based on the request at the NTC Conference 2023, for the need for capacity building in financial management, the NTC developed a simple finance reporting system that will enable leaders to document their income and expenditure of village finances and record existing village assets. A practical session took place with assistance and guidance from the NTC Finance Officer.
The event featured a keynote address by Hon. Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, focusing on the significance of transparency and accountability in leadership, especially concerning upcoming elections. Minister Sukhai provided guidance on the gazetting process for the North Pakaraima District Council, stressing compliance with the Amerindian Act of 2006. Ms. Miriam Ming led an educational session on the legal framework of the Act, enhancing participants' understanding, while Mr. Anil Roberts facilitated discussions on the election process, ensuring leaders were well-prepared for their roles and responsibilities.
The outreach concluded with a discussion on submitting Outline VSPs for 2024 to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, NTC, and the LCDS Office. The NTC executives and their staff gave guidance about the submission requirements.

🌟 Happy International Women's Day 2024! 🌟

Today, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women across Guyana and around the globe. As the National Toshaos Council, we honor the strength, resilience, and leadership of Indigenous women who play pivotal roles in shaping our communities and safeguarding our cultural heritage. Let's continue to empower and uplift women, ensuring equality and justice for all.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝟓𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐮𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚! 🇬🇾 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡, 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐨𝐲, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞.

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚'𝐬 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐃+ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞
-National Toshaos Council to undertake massive project to assist all indigenous villages and local communities to develop their 10 year Village Sustainability Plans.

Monumental $600M project launched to develop Amerindian village plans By Neil Marks [email protected] A monumental project, valued at US$3M (or over G$600M) was Wednesday evening launched to help indigenous communities across the country prepare village plans that wil…

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐮𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐮𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚'𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐭 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐳𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐚'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭

The National Toshaos Council (NTC) of Guyana, representing the collective voice of the indigenous peoples of this nation, vehemently supports Guyana's steadfast position against the controversial referendum scheduled by Venezuela for December 3, 2023.
The National Toshaos Council stands firmly behind the historical and legal foundation upon which Guyana's territorial integrity is built. Guyana has consistently maintained that the border with Venezuela was legally and internationally settled in 1899 by a tribunal of arbitration. This longstanding agreement has been recognized and respected by nations worldwide. The Essequibo region, home to indigenous communities from time immemorial, has been an integral part of Guyana's rich cultural tapestry.
The NTC, as the authoritative body representing the indigenous peoples of Guyana, urges all indigenous communities to unite in the face of this challenge and to remain vigilant. The Essequibo region holds deep historical and cultural significance for our people, and any attempt to alter its status through force or manipulation must be met with resolute opposition.
We must stand together as one, united in our commitment to defend our ancestral lands and preserve the rights and heritage of our indigenous communities. The Essequibo region has been our home since time immemorial, and we will not allow external forces to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved Guyana.
The NTC calls upon Venezuela to respect the rule of international law and the principles of justice that underpin the 1899 agreement.
Furthermore, the NTC urges diplomatic channels to prevail, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution to any disputes concerning borders.
In closing, the National Toshaos Council reiterates its unwavering support for the Government of Guyana in its efforts to protect the nation's territorial integrity and calls upon all indigenous peoples to stand united against any threat to the Essequibo region.

"𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙣'𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙩 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚"

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains alarmingly prevalent in indigenous villages and communities, posing a grave threat to the well-being of individuals within these societies. In a landmark event aimed at fostering dialogue, understanding, and proactive solutions, ten Indigenous leaders gathered in St. Cuthbert’s Village from October 30 to November 3, 2023, for a Men’s Training Workshop focused on addressing and ending gender-based violence in their respective villages and communities.

Indigenous Leaders Convene at Men’s Training Workshop to Combat Gender-Based Violence - National Toshaos Council Indigenous Leaders Convene at Men's Training Workshop to Combat Gender-Based Violence Gender-based violence (GBV) remains alarmingly prevalent in indigenous villages and communities, posing a grave threat to the well-being of individuals within these societies. In a landmark event aimed at fostering...

𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐨’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 "𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬"
THE National Toshao’s Council (NTC), on Friday, launched its pilot programme aimed at empowering men to lead the charge in fighting violence against Indigenous women and girls.

The project was launched at the council’s secretariat at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, where it was announced by officials that the project will create practical solutions to tackle prevalent issue.

Delivering remarks at the launch was Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, who hailed the project as an innovative one, noting that there has never been such an aggressive position taken in the past by Indigenous leaders in relation to violence against women and girls.
“I truly believe that while it may not be a new scenario, it is an innovative action taken by Indigenous leaders under the umbrella of the National Toshao’s Council to take hold of this situation and provide leadership on it,” she said.
Sukhai said too that the government has made significant steps to ensure that the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence is addressed.
Providing a detailed breakdown of the project, NTC Secretary, Shane Cornelius said that the project is called “Empowering Men to be Agents of Change to Fight Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls” and is being made possible through the support of the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
This project, Cornelius said, embodies the shared vision for a safer, more inclusive and harmonious society for Indigenous women, as they play a pivotal role as the backbone of the communities, torchbearers of traditions and guardians of the land.

Far too many Indigenous women and girls suffer in silence and are victims of violence.
“It is our responsibility as leaders to address this issue head-on and put an end to this injustice. This pilot project is particularly significant as it highlights the pivotal role that male toshaos or community leaders can play in addressing the deeply rooted issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls,” Cornelius said.
He added that while they recognise that gender-based violence continues to cast a dark shadow over the progress and prosperity of Indigenous communities, leaders must recognise the power they hold to reshape their communities for the better.
Cornelius added: “We must harvest our influence and leverage our position to create a safer, more equitable environment for our women and girls. Empowering men to be agents of change sends a strong message; it tells our women and girls that they deserve to live without fear, without harm and with respect and dignity; that is their inherent right… it tells our men that they have the capacity and the responsibility to be allies in this fight.”

He related that the vision of the project is to create a ripple effect through various Indigenous communities with an aim to educate and sensitize male leaders about the true impact of violence against women and girls, and provide them with the tools and knowledge to become advocates for change.

A multifaceted approach is expected to be implemented which will encompass campaigns, workshops and training programmes, among other things. It was further highlighted that the project goes beyond theoretical knowledge and is about fostering practical solutions.

Meanwhile, Caroline Mireault Charge d’Affaires at the Canadian High Commission commended the NTC for developing the project and their proactive approach towards fighting such a prevalent issue.

She added that one of the goals is to bring a continuous reduction of gender-based violence from Indigenous communities, and for men to hold each other accountable to eradicate violence against women and girls.

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𝑵𝑻𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒅 “𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒍 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒐𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒐..”

The National Toshaos Council of Guyana wishes to clarify that neither the Council nor its staff have taken any action with the intent to tarnish the reputation of Chinese Landing Toshao. We are committed to fostering positive relationships and maintaining the integrity of all our elected officials within the indigenous communities. Any allegations suggesting otherwise are unfounded, and we remain dedicated to our mission of promoting unity and development among Guyana's indigenous populations.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐨'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and community of Masakenari Village, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine, in the wake of the tragic Essequibo River accident that claimed the precious lives of three innocent children.
During this time of immense grief and loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The pain of such a devastating incident is truly unfathomable, and we stand in solidarity with you as you navigate this difficult journey of healing and remembrance.
The National Toshaos Council joins hands with the entire community of Masakenari Village to offer our support and compassion. We hope that in the midst of this darkness, you find strength within your close-knit community and the memories that shine brightly from the lives of the departed children.
As you remember and honor the lives of these young souls, please know that you are not alone. The entire nation shares in your grief, and we are here to offer any assistance and solace that you may need in the days ahead.
May the spirits of the departed find eternal peace, and may your community find the strength to persevere through this challenging time. Our hearts go out to you, and we extend our deepest sympathies as you come to terms with this tragic loss.
With sincere condolences

𝐍𝐓𝐂 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐀𝐀 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
The National Toshao’s Council core executive members led by Chairman Toshao Mr. Derrick John today met with a team from Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to plan for the NTC conference which is scheduled to be held from the 28th August 2023 at the Arthur Chung Convention Center.
The NTC conference is a yearly event where leaders from 242 communities all converge in the capital city to meet with the leaders of Government and other stakeholders.
The NTC looks forward to having a successful conference.

In celebration of International Day of the World's Indigenous People, the NTC hosted an event to celebrate and recognise the work of Indigenous Youths in the various sectors under the theme, "Indigenous Youths as agents of change for self determination". We understand the challenge indigenous youths face in this rapidly growing economy and would like to commit to creating spaces which they are recognised, celebrated and encouraged to continue being agents of change and trailblazers.
We thank H.E Mark Berman of the High Commission to Guyana and Suriname, H.E. Jane Miller of the in Guyana - British High Commission, Georgetown, Chargé D'Affaires, Adrienne Galanek of the .S. Embassy Guyana for their attendance at this auspicious event.
We thank our partners, our Indigenous Brothers and Sisters, our exhibitors who showcased different aspects of our unique culture but more importantly, our Indigenous Youths.
We will continue working towards building our capacity to better serve our Indigenous People.

PC: ADCO Guyana.