Washington DC: Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association (NWTCA), a Tibetan Weekend School affiliated to Portland Tibetan Association, commemorated its 30th founding anniversary on 16 September 2023 with the gracious presence of Representative Dr Namgyal Choedup from the Office of Tibet, Washington DC, as chief guest.
The celebration was also attended by Tenzin Namgyal Tethong, a former Kalon Tripa and Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; former Tibetan parliamentarian Wangchuk Dorjee; Tsering Cornell, Clark County Superior Court Judge; and Mayor of the city Steve Hogan, among others.
Honourable Senator Jeffrey A. Merkley, who has co-sponsored the Tibet Bill “Promoting a Resolution to Tibet-China Conflict,” sent his greetings despite being unable to attend due to his busy schedule. He wrote, “As we mark this occasion, I am inspired by the work of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the NWTCA, and the Tibetan diaspora around the world to preserve Tibetan culture. This work has always been crucial, and is especially so now in the face of unrelenting repression such as the cruel separation of children in Tibet from their families to be placed in colonial boarding schools. As the Chairman of the U.S. Senate’s Interior appropriations subcommittee and a member of the Appropriations Committee and Foreign Relations Committee, I am committed to promoting resources for the critical work of preserving Tibetan culture.”
Also, Eric Lemelson and his family, a longtime patron of NWTCA, sent greetings as they couldn’t attend the event because of their hectic schedule.
Following the commencement of the event with ceremonial observance, the President of Portland Tibetan Association, Jamyang Tashi, made an introductory remark accrediting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s constant guidance, erstwhile executive members of the association, the Weekend School teachers, and the association’s sponsors for the milestone. He also called for all parties’ joint efforts to materialise NWTCA’s long-held goals.
To pay gratitude to all the older generation Tibetans for their dedicated contributions in creating this vibrant exile community, advocating Tibetan freedom struggle from scratches, and preserving Tibet’s unique heritages, the gathering honoured Kasur Tenzin Namgyal Tethong with an appreciation medal as a sign of respect to the elders during the celebration.
Chief Guest Representative Dr Namgyal Choedup lauded NWTCA for its successful 30 years while commending the organising committee for its acknowledgement and recognition of elder Tibetans for their contribution to society. Furthermore, the Representative extended his appreciation to Portland Tibetan Association for accepting to organise a SEE Learning workshop per the proposals of recently concluded 21st North American Tibetan Associations’ Conference. For the persistent existence of Tibet advocacy and Tibetan Freedom Struggle, Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup implored the association to nurture and educate young Tibetans.
-Report filed by OoT Washington DC
