CubaPLUS Magazine

The Nine Nations is an organization and community led by young Indigenous people and those united by a shared vision to revalue the culture of their ethnic groups–both in their unified and distinct forms–as a means of fostering cultural expression, empowerment, innovation, and community building, all grounded in Indigenous values and principles.

Founded on July 10, 2023, the group was created to provide Indigenous creators with a space to showcase their talents through diverse art forms. Its members include creatives such as makeup artists, designers, graphic artists, musicians, poets, dancers, actors, entrepreneurs and many other professionals.

The organization operates around 10 core objectives which include cultural revitalization and empowerment through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship; creative expression; community participation; advocacy; leadership; digital connectivity; cultural exchange; and sustainability.

Its name, The Nine Nations, comes from the nine Indigenous Nations present in Guyana. While they share a common bond, each nation has its own unique cultural expressions through language, food, clothing, dance, and traditional practices.

Since its founding, The Nine Nations has successfully organized three Indigenous fashion shows and under the theme Indigenous Imaginations, each theme presented in different languages. These events have showcased the collaborative efforts of young Indigenous people dedicating their time and energy to a positive cause.

The group has also participated in cultural education initiatives in schools and organizations along with hosting exhibitions and attending workshops.

We envision a future where Indigenous youth are empowered, supported, and visible–with access to safe spaces for learning, expression, and cultural development–while fostering a resilient community of creators, leaders, and visionaries.

Featured Creatives

Matthias Gonsalves

A student at Zeeburg Secondary School, Matthias has always felt a deep passion for the arts and has been involved in acting since childhood.

He explains that the resilience he developed while growing up motivated him to join The Nine Nations, a team he sees as helping people by offering a platform where every individual can be seen and heard in their uniqueness.

As a singer, Gonsalves contributes his creativity while promoting his cultural heritage. For him, participation is not only about doing what he loves, but also about inspiring other young people to follow their passions. He stresses the need for more organizations dedicated to nurturing youth talent so it does not go unnoticed: “There is too much hidden talent still waiting to be discovered,” he says.

Danella Clement

A professional makeup artist of Akawaio and Macushi heritage, Danella grew up in Jawalla Village, Upper Mazaruni, Region 7. About six years ago, she discovered her natural gift for makeup, a talent that emerged unexpectedly.

With the support of her family and friends, she developed this skill into her brand, Danella Beauty. For her, makeup goes beyond aesthetics–it is a tool for confidence, self- expression, and empowerment. In 2024, she showcased her artistry at The Nine Nations: Indigenous Imaginations II Fashion Show in Georgetown, Guyana. 

This experience allowed her to celebrate her Indigenous roots and highlight the strength and beauty of her culture through makeup.

Danella specializes in enhancing natural beauty while incorporating cultural identity elements. She is driven by her conviction that makeup shapes how people feel, fostering confidence and individuality.

The mission of The Nine Nations resonated with her because of her own Indigenous heritage.

Participating in the fashion show enabled her to fuse traditional beauty with modern techniques, making her culture more visible.

She believes initiatives like this are essential to giving voice and presence to Indigenous peoples in Guyana. For years, Indigenous traditions and beauty have been marginalized, but projects like this reclaim them with pride. Danella hopes her work inspires other Indigenous youth to pursue their passions while embracing the value of their heritage.

Roann Pierre

A Georgetown-based visual artist, Roann specializes in realistic pencil portraits and is recognized for her dedication to hyperrealistic art. She works at her own pace, refining her craft.

Her motivation to join The Nine Nations was to showcase artistic talent emerging from Indigenous cultures. She believes the group helps make visible cultural expressions and skills often overlooked–such as fashion, crafts, visual arts, and Indigenous voices.

Pierre contributes by creating visual works in modern formats. While her specialty is pencil and charcoal, she is now experimenting with textile painting and ink drawing.

Vanda Allicock

A fashion designer and massage therapist by profession, Vanda found in The Nine Nations a safe space to share her stories and beliefs without fear of judgment. Being part of the group motivates her to learn more about her Indigenous heritage and share her lifestyle with others. Although The Nine Nations is still a young initiative on a modest scale, it is already creating a positive impact within her community.

Sherica Ambrose

An artisan and designer specializing in Indigenous jewelry and clothing, Sherica’s motivation stems from her passion for bringing ideas to life through craft, blending creativity with cultural heritage. For her, this project is not only a source of income but also a platform to educate and inspire other Guyanese youth about the richness of their traditions.

Each piece she creates is handmade with dedication, love, and deep respect for her roots. Through her work, she promotes cultural preservation and identity pride, while showcasing the inherent creativity of Indigenous peoples.

Her participation in The Nine Nations has allowed her to grow as an artist, collaborate with fellow talents, and strengthen her confidence while helping to make Indigenous culture more visible in Guyana.

Lethem Exclusive Apparel

Founders of the local clothing brand Lethem Exclusive Apparel, which focuses on promoting indigenous cultural identity as well as Guyanese cultural identity through everyday wear. One of their main goals is to produce clothing that can be worn proudly at any time and anywhere. The brand has been in operation for 4 years now and continues to grow as a local brand.

The testimonies of these young Indigenous creators exemplify the transformative potential of cultural projects that seek to preserve and promote ancestral traditions. Despite centuries of marginalization and precarious living conditions, Indigenous peoples across the Americas continue to fight to keep their cultures alive. Initiatives like The Nine Nations prove it is possible to actively work in their favor through inclusive, representative platforms. Replicating such projects in countries with significant Indigenous populations–such as Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Bolivia, where approximately 34 million people belong to these communities–would be highly beneficial.