The Aboriginal Peoples (referred to as "Amerindians")
The land now called "Guyana" was originally inhabited by several "tribes", each with their own language derived from the Caribe, Arawak and Warao native groups.
There are 7 tribes in interier Guyana: Akawaio, Arekuna, Barima River Caribe, Macusi, Patamona, Waiwai,and Wapisiana. In the river valleys of west Guyana 4 tribes reside: Barima River Caribe, Akawaio, Arekune and Patamona. In the Rupununi savannah region, the Macusi reside in the northern half and the Wapisiana in the south. The southernmost point near where the Essequibo river rises, is the area of the Waiwai.
Three tribes continue to reside in the coastal areas; the Caribe, Arawak, and Warao. Many of these tribes continue to speak their native tongues today and many have not replaced their culture with the culture introduced by immigrants.
Learn more about these historic people from the following websites:
Caribbean Amerindian Centrelink
The Pan-Tribal Confederacy of Indigenous Tribal Nations has a wonderful website with fascinating stories, history and genealogy of the Royal family of the Arawak tribe and more - you'll enjoy your visit to this site.
