The Umana Yana was the stage of light, colour, and reflection on Wednesday night as Guyana paid tribute to Stephen Campbell, the nation’s first Indigenous Member of Parliament, on the anniversary of his historic entry into the National Assembly. The event, which forms part of Amerindian Heritage Month 2025, honoured a man whose life and work continue to inspire generations.
Born in Santa Rosa on 26 December 1897, Campbell rose from humble beginnings to break barriers and champion the rights of Indigenous peoples. On 10 September 1957, he entered Parliament, becoming the first Amerindian voice in Guyana’s legislature. His pioneering role gave visibility to the concerns of hinterland communities and cemented his place in history as a true national trailblazer.
At last night’s tribute, the audience was treated to “The Man of Wisdom,” a theatrical production written by Denzel Carlisle St. Hill and performed by students of the Hinterland Scholarship Programme. Through vivid storytelling and drama, the play captured Campbell’s devotion to education, his Catholic faith, and his vision for a Guyana where Indigenous peoples stood as equal partners in shaping the nation’s destiny.
The ceremony was not just about looking back, but about connecting his legacy to the present. Leaders and community members reflected on how Campbell’s advocacy laid the groundwork for today’s Amerindian Heritage Month, first declared in 1995 to honour the contributions of Indigenous peoples of Guyana. His name now lives on not only in Campbelltown, Region Eight, but also on government institutions that bear his memory.
For those gathered at the Umana Yana, the evening was a celebration of identity and resilience. The sights and sounds of traditional music, craft, and storytelling blended seamlessly with the solemn recognition of Campbell’s role as a cultural guardian. His legacy was presented not as a relic of the past, but as a living inspiration to continue preserving Indigenous languages, traditions, and wisdom.
A scene of the celebration
