COP30 delegation of the Wapichan People and South Rupununi District Council (Guyana)

Inspired by the women of the South Rupununi, I have taken every opportunity to be a voice for those who are often unheard. My work focuses on promoting women’s leadership, preserving traditional knowledge, and encouraging sustainable livelihoods. I believe that the future of her people depends on the unity and resilience of women, and I continue to lead by example, with humility, strength, and pride in my Macushi heritage.

As Toshao, I see it as my sacred duty to protect our ancestral lands and defend the rights of our people. I work alongside other leaders to ensure that development in our territory respects our Wapichan Wiizi vision, a vision of unity, sustainability, and respect for Mother Earth. My leadership is guided by the belief that when we lead with courage and compassion, entire communities thrive. Every day, I strive to inspire young people, to stand up for their heritage and carry forward the wisdom of our ancestors.” 

Today, I serve as the Vice Chairperson under the Youth Arm of the SRDC. I joined this organization because I believe in the power of youth to bring about positive change in our communities. Through my work, I aim to create opportunities for young people to learn, lead, and grow, empowering them to be proud of who they are while equipping them to face modern challenges. 

I am passionate about building bridges between generations, combining the wisdom of our elders with the innovation of our youth. My goal is to see a future where every young Indigenous person can proudly say, “I am Wapichan, and I am a leader of change.”

My journey has been one of learning, growth, and inspiration. Like many others, I was motivated by the strong Indigenous women of the Wapichan Wiizi Movement, women who stood tall to protect their lands, culture, and rights. Following their footsteps, I have helped lead initiatives that promote traditional knowledge, sustainable livelihoods, and women’s economic empowerment. 

I believe that women are the heart of every community and that their strength sustains the Wapichan way of life. My message to other women is simple: “Do not doubt your worth. You are the guardians of culture and the keepers of wisdom.”

Every day, I dedicate myself to ensuring that the voices of women and young people are included in the important decisions that shape our future. My passion for this work comes from my deep love for our homeland, our rivers, mountains, and forests, and the belief that we must protect them for generations to come. 

Through the SRDC, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside other strong, visionary women of the South Rupununi. Together, we continue to carry forward the message of unity, resilience, and pride in our Wapichan identity. My hope is that our daughters and granddaughters will inherit not just our land, but our strength, courage, and love for our people.” 

After years of discussion, I co-founded the Wapichan Wiizi Women’s Movement, which focuses on issues like land rights, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural preservation for Indigenous women. My efforts gained significant recognition when the SRDC General Assembly officially endorsed the movement on February 14, 2020. My leadership and advocacy have made me a respected voice for gender equality and Indigenous rights in Guyana and beyond.” 

Today, I serve as Programme Coordinator of the SRDC, representing 21 Wapichan communities. For more than two decades, my work has focused on advancing land rights, strengthening territorial management, protecting biodiversity, and safeguarding the cultural heritage of our people. My experience spans community development, project design and implementation, Indigenous rights advocacy, and international representation. I have worked with youth, women, and community leaders to build capacity and create opportunities that strengthen our collective resilience. 

My commitment is to continue building on the legacy of my father and our elders, ensuring that the Wapichan people remain custodians of our lands, our knowledge, and our future.

My work focuses on monitoring wildlife, promoting sustainable resource use, and preserving traditional knowledge. I strive to raise awareness about conservation and empower communities to continue our legacy of stewardship, ensuring that people and wildlife in the South Rupununi thrive together for generations to come.” 

I believe true leadership is about service, guided by unity, respect, and responsibility. My commitment is to preserve our language, culture, and traditional knowledge, ensuring future generations remain proud caretakers of our land and heritage, united in building a sustainable future for the Wapichan people.”