Amerindian Heritage Day is observed in Guyana every September 10, celebrating the heritage of the indigenous peoples of the country. This day commemorates the election of Stephen Campbell as the first Amerindian Member of Parliament in 1957. September is recognized as Amerindian Heritage Month in Guyana, a designation made official in 1995, during which various festivities take place. The opening ceremony for the month occurs on the first day of September, with major celebrations held in a designated "Heritage Village." The event highlights the unique cultural contributions of the Amerindian population, which constitutes about 10% of Guyana's overall population, primarily made up of Indo-Guyanese.