At just 21 years old, Alliah Simon is already carving a path that blends her passion for conservation with a deep sense of pride in her Indigenous roots.
Alliah Simon [Photo: Craig Henry Photograph]
Born in Pakuri Village, Region Four, Simon’s journey has been marked by personal and academic triumphs.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION: A JOURNEY FUELLED BY CHALLENGES
Growing up in Pakuri Village until she was about seven, Simon moved with her family to Silver Hill on the Linden/Soesdyke in 2010 for better education opportunities.
She began her primary education at Silver Hill Primary School before transferring to Mackenzie Primary in Linden. She wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and landed a spot at President’s College.
Despite battling severe asthma and allergies that often took her to the hospital, including missing a period of the national grade two exams, she persevered.
Growing up was a challenge. I was a very sickly child, suffering from asthma and allergies, and going to school in Linden made it even harder with all the dust and air pollution from bauxite mining.
Her years at President’s College, however, were transformative.
I am a proud product of the Purple Nation, President’s College.
Living in a boarding environment during her adolescence, Simon learned essential life skills, such as personal responsibility, leadership, and the importance of community.
Alliah Simon flanked by her mother and father [Photo: Craig Henry Photography]
These experiences shaped her into the driven individual she is today.
I met some of the most important people who are part of my life today.
A DEEP CONNECTION TO NATURE: THE ROOTS OF HER PASSION FOR CONSERVATION
This 21-year-old Indigenous shared that her upbringing in Pakuri Village, although brief, left a lasting impression.
She recalls spending time on her grandparents’ farm, which was nestled near the forest.
I believe this may have been the start of my deep appreciation for the environment.
Helping to plant crops, feeling the earth beneath her feet, and hearing the sounds of nature were all experiences that connected her to the land in ways words cannot describe.
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- Photo: J.Figueira Photography
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- Photo: J.Figueira Photography
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- Photo: J.Figueira Photography
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- Photo: J.Figueira Photography
As Simon grew older, she began to realise the importance of nature, not just to herself but also to her people, the Lokono.
The environment is our home, where we get our food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and therapy.
This realisation fuelled her passion for conservation and led her to pursue a degree in Biology at the University of Guyana (UG).
PROUD OF HER LOKONO HERITAGE: EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
I am proud to be an Indigenous woman, a Lokono hairo.
As a member of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana, Simon understands the importance of preserving her cultural heritage.
Yet, she also acknowledges the challenges she faced in adapting to urban life after leaving her village. The transition to an urban environment meant losing some aspects of her culture, including her accent and certain Lokono terms.
However, she rekindled her passion for her Indigenous roots in high school.
I began to teach others about the little I knew about my Lokono culture.
She often used her knowledge of Lokono terms to help others understand the richness of her culture.
For example, I always made sure anyone I was around knew that ‘Cassava bread’ is pronounced ‘kah-lee’ in Lokono.
This act of teaching became a way for her to reconnect with her identity. Furthermore, she noted that her drive to represent her people has become a central theme in her life.
Indigenous Peoples are not properly represented. They are often overlooked and mistreated.
Through her activism and academic pursuits, Simon aims to empower Indigenous communities, advocating for the preservation of their cultures and traditional knowledge.
THE ROLE OF HER MOTHER: A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
This Indigenous woman credits much of her academic success to the sacrifices made by her mother. She noted that her mom was the driving force behind her and her siblings’ attainment of proper education.
When the family moved from Pakuri Village to Silver Hill, it was primarily for better educational opportunities. Despite financial hardships, Simon’s mother remained steadfast in ensuring that her children received the best education possible.
My mom’s words were always, ‘I did not have the opportunities for a proper education, but I will make sure my children do, for a better life than mine.’
Her mother’s sacrifices and determination to provide for her family profoundly impacted Simon, inspiring her to make the most of her own opportunities.
BREAKING BARRIERS: A MILESTONE FOR HER FAMILY
As the first in her family to attend university, Simon views her graduation as a monumental achievement.
Graduating from university with a degree is not just for me, but for my immediate family, my relatives, and the communities I grew up in.
She noted that this accomplishment represents a break from the generational barriers and stereotypes faced by Indigenous youth, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
I intend to make something positive out of myself, to live my mom’s dreams, and to inspire others.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AT UNIVERSITY
As an Indigenous student at UG, Simon faced several challenges, most notably financial difficulties.
My background made things difficult. But I kept my focus on my goals and worked towards achieving them.
Another challenge was the lack of a community for Indigenous students, a space to connect and support each other.
To address this gap, Simon co-founded the University of Guyana Indigenous Students Society, hoping to provide the support she wished she had.
First-ever University of Guyana Indigenous Students’ Society launched
LEADERSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Simon’s leadership roles at UG have been instrumental in shaping her journey. As the President of the Biology Club, she led initiatives that raised awareness about environmental conservation.
The club provided a community of like-minded individuals passionate about the environment.
Her pride is evident when she speaks about the Indigenous Students Society.
I’m most proud of seeing this long-held dream finally take shape.
ADVICE TO INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
For other Indigenous students navigating the challenges of university life, Simon offers this advice:
Stay proud of who you are and where you come from. Hold onto your identity, your roots, and your goals.
She encourages them to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and work hard to achieve their dreams.
Work to break barriers and ultimately be role models for those who will come after you.
A PASSION FOR CONSERVATION AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION
This advocate’s passion for conservation is intertwined with her dedication to protecting Indigenous cultures.
Without a healthy environment, Indigenous cultures and identities are at risk.
Her vision is clear—she wants to use her biology degree to advocate for preserving the environment in Indigenous communities.
Our traditional knowledge holds incredible potential for sustainable development, and it must be respected and preserved.
