Dharamshala: Sikyong Penpa Tsering visited Vancouver and addressed members of the Tibetan community from the Greater Vancouver region at the Tibetan Cultural Society of British Columbia on 25 May 2025.
In his address, the Sikyong stated, “Though our struggle involves two different approaches, we must stand united—setting aside all trivial disputes—to advance our cause. Both sides, Rangzen and Uma, must first fully understand and champion the crucial historical truth—that Tibet was an independent nation before its illegal occupation—using this undeniable fact to legitimise and strengthen our fight.”
Highlighting recent developments, Sikyong added, “The U.S.-passed Resolve Tibet Act is an important step, as it recognises the longstanding Tibet-China dispute as an unresolved international conflict and calls for the resumption of unconditional, peaceful dialogue between the two sides in accordance with international law.” As this legislation also affirms the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination and rejects China’s historical claims over Tibet as inaccurate and based on distorted narratives, Sikyong underscored, “Such laws help highlight Tibet’s historical status as an independent nation.”
To bolster the movement, particularly among younger generations, the Sikyong noted that the 16th Kashag launched the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) immediately after assuming office. This initiative, Sikyong said, aims to draw active engagement from capable and educated Tibetan youth and intensify advocacy efforts. Sikyong added that one of the goals of V-TAG is to cultivate a new generation of Tibetan leaders around the world to ensure the continued existence of the Tibetan freedom struggle.
However, Sikyong encouraged Tibetans to preserve their rich religious, cultural, and linguistic heritage amid rising threats to their very existence.
