Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s Official Engagement in North America Continues, Public Address to Tibetans in Vancouver

In his address to the Tibetan community in Vancouver on 14 February, Sikyong underlined a special focus on informing the youth about the geographical formation of Tibet, the importance of Tibet’s rivers to South Asia, and learning about Tibet’s history. He also spoke about the grave situation inside Tibet, the eradication of Tibetan culture and language through repressive policies and similarly about the US legislative’s introduction of the Tibet bill and its progress while also urging the youth to participate in the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy programme.

He further briefed on the 16th Kashag’s political approach and its undertakings concerning the sustenance of settlements, initiatives covering the unhoused Tibetans, the importance of the demographic survey, the contribution of Chatrel and the revision of housing and land ownership rules. Emphasising the gratitude owed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sikyong stressed on communal harmony, after which he responded to questions raised by the public.

On 15 February, Sikyong departed for Victoria island where he visited British Columbia’s local assembly. He was received by Kasur Dr Pema Yangchen, President and executive members of the local Tibetan association, international Tibet supporters and the local Tibetan community upon arrival. In the evening, he addressed the public in which he spoke of the first Canadian visitor to Tibet and the first integration of Tibetans.

Throughout Sikyong’s North America tour, he was accompanied by Representative Dr Namgyal Choedup who apprised Tibetans of Sikyong’s recent engagements and his meeting with officials in Washington DC. He also briefed on the Office of Tibet’s activities in the past year.