Awarewaunau
Village in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Guyana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Awarewaunau (also: Awaruwaunawa[2]) is a village in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of Guyana. Awarewaunau is inhabited by Wapishana Amerindians.[1]
Awarewaunau | |
|---|---|
Village | |
  Awarewaunau Location in Guyana | |
| Coordinates: 2.6426°N 59.1919°W | |
| Country |  Guyana |
| Region | Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo |
| Government | |
| • Toshao | Johnny Duncan (2012-)[1] |
| Area | |
• Total | 782.0 km2 (301.93 sq mi) |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
• Total | c. 600 |
Overview
In 1909 missionaries arrived in the area.[3] Awarewaunau was founded in the 1920s.[1] The name is Wapishana and means Windy Creek Hill.[3] The main religion of the villagers is Christian.[1]
The economy of Awarewaunau is based on subsistence farming and livestock. The village has a primary school and a health centre.[1] Secondary education is offered in Aishalton.[4] As of 2019, the village is connected to the internet.[5] In 2018, water wells were constructed in the village as part of a joint exercise of the Brazilian Army and the Guyana Defence Force.[6]
Transport
Awarewaunau is served by the Awaruwaunau Airport.[7] In 2018, a contract was awarded to construct a road from Lethem to Shea via Awarewaunau.[8]
Nature
Awarewaunau is on the edge of a large pristine rainforest which is home to cock-of-the-rocks, harpy eagles, and bush dogs.[3] The forest is part of the Wapichan Conserved Forest, a planned 1,400 square kilometres (540 sq mi) protected area.[9]
