“It’s not just about wearing a crown” – Reg 6 Heritage Queen

– Orealla’s Anostasha Coppin takes message of Indigenous pride, education & cultural preservation to national stage

By Andrew Carmichael

For 21-year-old Anostasha Coppin, participating in the National Heritage Pageant is about much more than competing for a crown. The young Lokono (Arawak) woman from Orealla sees the national stage as an opportunity to represent her people, celebrate her Indigenous heritage and encourage young people to embrace their identity while pursuing education and new opportunities.
Coppin will represent Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on September 30, 2026, at the National Cultural Centre, carrying with her the voices, traditions and aspirations of Orealla and Siparuta.
Growing up in Orealla, Coppin said she developed a deep appreciation for her culture, her people and the natural environment around her. But she has also seen some traditions and knowledge slowly fading, and that helped influence her decision to enter the pageant.
“I would have decided to join this pageant because I wanted to use my voice to represent my people and celebrate the richness of my Indigenous heritage. Growing up in Orealla, I’ve seen how important our traditions, knowledge and way of life are, but I’ve also seen some of them slowly fading,” she explained.
“I wanted to be part of changing that narrative by encouraging young people to embrace their identity, learn from our elders and carry our culture forward. For me, this journey is not just about wearing a crown; it’s about becoming a voice for my community and showing that our heritage is something to be proud of, protect and pass on to future generations.”
That desire to preserve the past while preparing young Indigenous people for the future is also reflected in the platform Coppin is taking to the national pageant: “Bridging Tradition and Innovation Through Education”.
Coppin believes education can help bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and a changing world, allowing Indigenous youth to value where they come from while confidently pursuing where they want to go.
It is a message that is also reflected in her own life.
Coppin currently works as part of the administrative staff at a hospital while pursuing an associate degree in social science at the University of Guyana. At the same time, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management through a Government of Guyana GOAL scholarship.
Her interest in natural resource management is particularly relevant to the environment and way of life in which she was raised.
Her father, she explained, is an ordinary villager whose livelihood depends on activities such as hunting, farming, fishing and hauling.
Coppin is passionate about natural resource management and recognises the importance of protecting the environment and the resources on which many Indigenous communities depend.
Through her pageant journey, she hopes to showcase not only the beauty of Indigenous culture but also the strength, resilience and potential of Indigenous people.
Should she be crowned National Heritage Queen, Coppin said her village and Guyana as a whole can expect her to use the position to serve and advocate for Indigenous youth.
“If I were to be crowned National Heritage Queen, Guyana can expect a woman who is committed to serving with purpose, representing with pride, and leading with integrity.

I would use my platform to advocate for Indigenous youth, encourage them to embrace their heritage, pursue education, and believe that their background does not limit their future,” she said.
Coppin said she would also seek to become an ambassador for Indigenous culture, promoting not only its celebration but also its preservation and the transfer of traditional knowledge between generations.
“Guyana can also expect me to be a proud ambassador of our culture, not only celebrating our traditions but also actively encouraging their preservation and passing our knowledge from one generation to the next. I would carry the crown with humility, knowing that it is not simply a symbol of beauty but a responsibility to my people.”
For Coppin, that responsibility begins with the communities she will carry with her onto the national stage. “Orealla and Siparuta can look forward to a daughter who will never forget where she comes from,” she said.
“I want to use the platform and opportunities that come with the crown to bring greater recognition to both communities, celebrate our Indigenous identity, and help preserve the traditions and knowledge that make Orealla and Siparuta unique.”
She also wants her participation to send a message to young people in the two communities that where they come from does not determine how far they can go.
“I want the young people of Orealla and Siparuta to see themselves represented and know that their dreams are valid, regardless of where they come from. I also want to continue learning from our elders and creating opportunities for our youth to connect with their culture while pursuing education and a brighter future,” Coppin said.
“Most importantly, Orealla and Siparuta can look forward to me carrying our names with pride. Wherever the crown takes me, I will always remember that I am a daughter of these communities, and I will make sure Orealla and Siparuta are seen, heard, and represented with dignity.”
The National Heritage Pageant, a biennial event, forms part of activities for Amerindian Heritage Month and brings together representatives from across Guyana to compete on the national stage.
For Coppin, however, success would ultimately be measured by what she is able to do with the opportunity should she capture the national crown.
“Most importantly, Guyana can expect me to leave an impact. I would want my reign to be remembered not only for the crown I wore but also for the lives I touched, the young people I inspired, and the legacy I helped create.”
Pic saved as coppin, coppin 1, 2, 3

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