2024 Session 29 Report: World Indigenous People’s Day
Itsekiri NextGen Project: 2024 Session 29 Report
- Topic: World Indigenous People’s Day
- Date: 9th August 2024
- Volunteers Present: 5
- Total Number of Attendees: 53
- Timings: 09:00am – 1:00pm
- Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Town), Warri
- Main Topic/Activity: World Indigenous People’s Day
- Resource Person: Itsekiri NextGen Team
Summary:
This session was dedicated to celebrating the United Nations’ World Indigenous People’s Day, observed on August 9th. The event focused on promoting pride in Itsekiri heritage, language, and culture.
Session Delivery:
The coordinator entered the session dressed casually in trousers and a t-shirt but soon added a traditional wrapper around her waist, which sparked curiosity among the participants. This was soon explained as a tribute to the traditional Itsekiri attire, as part of the celebration of World Indigenous People’s Day.
The session commenced with opening prayers and the singing of the Itsekiri anthem, led by Emmanuel Egbe. He also conducted a brief review of the previous session.
The coordinator explained the significance of the day, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the Itsekiri culture. She encouraged participants to be proud of their language and identity, reminding them that speaking Itsekiri and embracing their cultural heritage is their right. To reinforce this, the participants were asked to greet each other in Itsekiri, and they eagerly shared various Itsekiri greetings and their meanings.
The session then shifted focus to traditional Itsekiri dishes. Each team was tasked with selecting a dish and explaining its ingredients and preparation methods:
- Team Ikenwoli chose Owo Soup
- Team Atuwatse II chose Banga Soup
- Team Erejuwa II chose Egusi Pepper Soup
- Team Ginuwa II chose Okro Pepper Soup
Participants made efforts to identify spices in Itsekiri, and the coordinator assisted when needed. It was evident that many young participants were attentive to their mothers’ cooking instructions, as they demonstrated solid knowledge of how to prepare the dishes.
In addition, the participants sang Itsekiri songs and performed folklore, further immersing themselves in their cultural roots. This was followed by a lively Q&A session, where questions about the history and notable figures of Warri Kingdom were asked. Those who answered correctly received small cash rewards.
To conclude the session, traditional Itsekiri music was played, and everyone joyfully danced along, filling the venue with excitement, laughter, and pride in their shared heritage.
Volunteers:
- Debi Amadedon
- Emmanuel Egbe
- Ani Toju
- Weyinmi Igbeneweka
- Omatsola Okpeayaghan
Other Key Activities During the Session:
- Singing Itsekiri songs and performing traditional Itsekiri dance steps.
What Went Wrong:
Nothing went wrong; the session proceeded smoothly.