Every August 9th, the International Day of the Original Peoples is celebrated in Paraguay, which relates to seventeen ethnic groups belonging to five Guaraní language families: Enxet-Maskoy Language, Mataguayo, Zamuco and Guaicurú, as well as Guaraní itself. Of the seventeen distinct ethnic groups, thirteen of the home villages are in the Western Region of Chaco, and four in the Eastern Region.
Rather than solely focus on one day, Asunción began celebratory activities on August 6th, and will continue until September 5th, with various organisations preparing a series of events that highlight the rich cultural heritage and rights of indigenous communities in the country.
This Friday, August 9, at 9am, everyone is invited to Democracy Plaza (Plaza de la Democracia) to inaugurate the photographic exhibition “Jahecha”, which features images of contemporary life in the village of Paī Tavyterã. It is with the support of the United Nations Paraguay, the Paraguayan Institute for the Indigenous (Indi), and Áry Ojeasojavo Tembiapokatu.
From 2pm to 4pm, the planned event is “Jasuka Venda, Yvypyru’a: Teachings of the people of Paī Tavyterã on respect for life”, presented by leaders Paī Tavyterã of the Amambay region. It will be in the Ruy Díaz Auditorium in “Guzmán de la Manzana de la Rivera”. This event is organised by the United Nations Paraguay, the Ministry of Public Defence, the Paraguayan Institute for Indigenous Affairs (Indi) and Áry Ojeasojavo Tembiapokatu
On Thursday, August 22, from 6pm to 7pm, there will be a presentation of the Guide to the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the National University of Asunción, and ADNUDH. The place will be at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the National University of Asunción, Campus of San Lorenzo.
On Wednesday 28, from 7pm to 8pm, the documentary “Arete Guasu en Pedro P. Peña” will be shown in the Casa de la Integración, located near the intersection of Avenida Mariscal López and Avenida Dominican Republic, at an event organized by the United Nations.
On Friday 30th August, from 09am to 12noon, a dialogue will be held with indigenous leaders on the preservation and revitalization of indigenous languages at the Library of the Archive and Congress of the Nation, located in Paulino A. Benitez Esq. It is organised by the Secretariat for Linguistic Policy (SPL), the Small Grants Programme (PDP), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
On Wednesday 5th September, from 2pm to 5pm, interested parties can attend the discussion panels on indigenous poetry “Palabras mothers: Uniting territories through art and poetry” – in the Casa de la Integración, located near the intersection of Avenida Mariscal López and Avenida Dominican Republic. It is organised by the Secretariat for Linguistic Policies (SPL).
The organisation of these activities seeks to promote recognition and respect for indigenous cultures, highlighting their importance in Paraguayan society. The participation of all is essential for the success of these initiatives, which will be expanded with new activities throughout the month.
To confirm attendance at these activities or to access further information, interested parties can contact +595 (0) 992 298 960.
