Adela Pederson Vallejos Honoured with Leela Vernon Prize for Maya Culture Preservation

Adela Pederson Vallejos has been honoured with the Leela Vernon Prize for Creative Community Action and Safeguarding Cultural Heritage. The announcement was made by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) on its Facebook page. The award celebrates Pederson’s remarkable achievements in preserving and promoting Maya culture while actively contributing to community development in Belize.

In the post, NICH recognised Adela Pederson Vallejos of Libertad village, saying, “Her passion for preserving Maya heritage led her to learn the Yucatec Maya language and establish To’one Masehaulo’on NGO, promoting Maya culture and language through educational initiatives and events, including the Belize national anthem translated into Yucatec Maya.” 

“Adela’s tireless efforts culminated in the inauguration of the U Kuuchil Uucben Mayaya Ba’alo’ob Yucatec Maya Museum in Cristo Rey Village, showcasing her dedication to cultural preservation,” NICH added. 

Leela Vernon, the award’s namesake, was a prominent Belizean Kriol culture activist. Vernon was celebrated for her ‘Buru’ style Brukdong music, including the popular song ‘Ah Waahn Noa Hoo Seh Kriol Noh Ga No Kolcha!’, which has been integral to the celebration of Creole heritage.