Home to residents who can be described as warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in their customs, the indigenous village of Karaudarnau in Region Nine is always guaranteed to captivate the hearts and minds of its visitors. This Wapichan nation, with a population of 1,092, is located in Deep South Rupununi, approximately 130 miles from the town of Lethem. Currently, this friendly Amerindian village is led by Toshao Apollos Isaacs, who is supported by his team at the Village Council.
For those unfamiliar with the village, Karaudarnau was named after a two-headed snake referred to as ‘Karau’ in the Wapichan language, with ‘nau’ meaning ‘hill.’
Karaudarnau is primarily inhabited by the Amerindian people, who possess a rich cultural heritage and a profound connection to their land. The village is renowned for its lush landscapes, which include rivers, creeks, forests, and diverse wildlife, offering resources for fishing, hunting, and agriculture.
Despite its location in Deep South Rupununi, Karaudarnau boasts its own nursery and primary school, a health post, a village general store, a village office, a guest house, a community center sports ground, a Women’s Group catering center, and a peanut factory. Additionally, the village features a three-culture group benab, an ICT hub building, a mini-solar grid, a Catholic Church, a Christian Brethren Church, and a nature park.
Historically, Karaudarnau is known for its preservation of traditional practices, including the use of indigenous languages, crafts, and customs. Proudly discussing his community in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Standard, Toshao Isaacs shared that his village often engages in communal activities and celebrations, which serve to strengthen their bonds and cultural identity.
Explaining the lifestyle of his people, Isaacs related that residents typically embrace a way of life that reflects traditional Amerindian values and practices. “They are closely connected to their natural surroundings, relying on agriculture, farming, fishing, and hunting for sustenance. The community is characterized by a strong sense of unity and cooperation, with families working together to support one another,” he mentioned.
Notably, he emphasized that “self-help” is still practiced within his community; residents are always willing to lend a helping hand to alleviate the cost of labor. Cultural traditions also play a significant role in their daily lives, and Isaacs disclosed that to this day, storytelling, music, and dance remain vital aspects of their heritage. “The people are known for their resilience and adaptability, often finding ways to blend modern influences with their rich cultural history,” he added.
Rooted in their traditions, Toshao Isaacs noted that, like many indigenous communities, Karaudarnau has faced challenges related to modernization and the preservation of their way of life. However, he pointed out that residents are committed to maintaining their traditions while seeking opportunities for education and development to improve their living conditions.
Regarding challenges, Toshao Isaacs highlighted that during his second term as leader, he intends to address the road conditions in his village by advocating for better road infrastructure to enhance connectivity and ease transportation. He noted that internet access has also been a concern. He believes that providing internet access will help residents integrate modern technology into their lives, opening up new avenues for education and communication.
Aiming to create a more supportive and thriving environment for everyone in Karaudarnau, Isaacs stated that he has been continuously encouraging young people to pursue careers in medicine and technology fields. To this end, he explained, “I plan to organize workshops and informational sessions to help them understand their options.”
Striving to see his people benefit from available opportunities and lead a good life, Isaacs mentioned that the primary reason he decided to run for Toshao is his desire to serve his community and ensure that their voices are heard. “As Toshao, I stand a better chance to address the concerns of my fellow residents and advocate for our needs. I know there is significant potential in our village, and I want to help create opportunities for our youths and families. Running for Toshao is a way for me to contribute to the development and growth of our community while making my visions a reality,” he expressed.
In developing his village, one of the key projects he emphasized is creating a tourism product. He noted that when visiting Karaudarnau, tourists are already treated to a rich cultural experience. Describing some of the experiences, he highlighted that visitors immerse themselves in the traditions of the three cultural groups present in the village, learning the traditional ways of life in Karaudarnau and participating in craft-making.
“This year, plans are in place to introduce various new tourist ventures that are yet to be created. These ventures could include eco-tours, cultural exchange programs, and heritage trails that showcase the unique cultural heritage of Karaudarnau,” he explained. Toshao Isaacs further expressed that offering these cultural experiences all form part of the plan to provide visitors with an authentic and memorable journey into the heart of Karaudarnau’s diverse cultural tapestry.
