OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF
FALL 2011
TIBETAN SKELETONS CONFRONT HU JINTAO TIBET PROTESTS MAR CHINESE PRESIDENT’S WASHINGTON VISIT In spite of the bitterly cold weather, Tibetans and their supporters dogged China’s leader everywhere he went during his first official state visit to Washington, D.C. this January. From implementing martial law in Tibet in 1989 to his ongoing crackdown against peaceful protesters, Hu has pursued policies that brutalize and marginalize the Tibetan people. SFT, along with the Tibetan Youth Congress, held 3 days of non-stop protests to denounce Hu’s failed leadership and to celebrate Tibetans’ enduring spirit of resistance. From projecting ‘Free Tibet’ images onto the Chinese embassy wall, to parading giant skeleton puppets through the streets of the US capital, to a funeral procession around the White House during the official state dinner, our presence was felt and our creative actions were widely covered by the international media. Tibetan skeletons haunt Hu Jintao during his visit to the White House During President Hu’s meeting with US President Obama, the cries for freedom from hundreds of Tibetans and supporters joined a chorus of voices demanding an end to Beijing’s one-party rule. In front of the White House, Tenzin Dorjee, SFT’s Executive Director, addressed a mass rally alongside leaders of the Uyghur, Taiwanese, Burmese, Southern Mongolian, and Chinese democracy communities. Each speaker echoed the call for long overdue change in Tibet and China.
Calls for change were also echoed inside the White House. After almost 3 years of pursuing a policy of “strategic engagement” with China, the Obama administration directly raised human rights as a core issue in Sino-US relations. Thank you to everyone who has joined Tibet Lobby Day and helped apply consistent pressure on Washington to ensure Tibet is a priority issue in the United States’ human rights agenda with China. As China’s leadership change in 2012 fast approaches, we say good riddance to President Hu. As the new wave of resistance continues to grow inside Tibet, we know it’s only a matter of time before Tibetans can say goodbye to the Party and China’s repressive regime once and for all.
SHOGDUNG AND TASHI DHONDUP RELEASED! THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE RELEASE OF TIBETAN ARTISTS CONTINUES We’re delighted that the global campaign for the release of detained Tibetan writers, musicians, and intellectuals is having an impact. In October, leading Tibetan intellectual Tagyal (pen name: Shogdung), was released on bail. In February, Tashi Dhondup, a popular Tibetan singer, was released from prison earlier than scheduled. In 2010, he was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment for recording songs about the suffering endured by the Tibetan people and their aspirations for freedom. By taking action to increase the global profile of detained Tibetan artists who are boldly challenging China’s policies in Tibet, we are helping to secure their release from prison. As we celebrate these victories, our thoughts also turn to the hundreds of Tibetans unjustly serving prison sentences for peaceful acts of protest and resistance. A new generation of Shogdung and Tashi Dhondup “Tibet has no freedom I sing, And I’ll sing it throughout my life Tibetan writers, singers, and artists are giving voice to the persecution and unity shared by the For which even if I am killed “- lyrics from Tashi Dhondup’s ‘No Regrets’ Tibetan people. There are currently more than 60 Tibetan artists and intellectuals who have been imprisoned, tortured, harassed or disappeared for expressing their views through words and music. Our support is needed now more than ever. To learn more and join the campaign for the release of Tibetan heroes visit:
www.FreeTibetanHeroes.org
LANGUAGE RIGHTS VICTORY IN EASTERN TIBET Outraged by the Chinese government’s decision in October 2010 to replace Tibetan with Chinese as the language of instruction in Tibetan schools in Amdo, students in Rebkong, Chabcha, Golog, Mangra, Machen, Tsigorthang, Themchen, Chentsa, and Trika took to the streets in the thousands to defend their right to learn in Tibetan. As news spread of the “freedom of language” protests inside Tibet, SFT and other organizations launched a global support campaign to turn up the pressure on Beijing to meet the demand of the Tibetan students. Thousands took action by signing petitions and sending letters to the Chinese government and SFT posted simple ways to promote the Tibetan language online. This spring, the Qinghai Provincial Government decided to cancel the plan to make Chinese the dominant language of instruction. The grassroots campaign by the students in Amdo proved too powerful for the Chinese government to ignore. This unprecedented victory is not only a major boost for the Tibetan language, but demonstrates the power of Tibetan culture as a tool of resistance inside Tibet.
Students protest in Rebkong, Tibet on Oct 18, 2010
Students protest in Chabcha, Tibet on Oct 21, 2010
Solidarity protest in New York on Oct 21, 2010
2 Letter from Tendor 3 SFT’s Global Trainings 4-5 Renaissance Series 6 National Updates 7 Lhakar & Nomad Rights
Solidarity protest in Dharamsala, India on Oct 22, 2010
A LETTER FROM SUMMER INTERN TENGYAL My first experience with SFT was when I attended action camp last summer in New York. Being new to this country, having been here for just over a year, I had been contemplating how to get engaged in the community and also be active in the Tibetan cause. I have had my share of culture shock and found it challenging to adjust in the beginning. However, after participating in community gatherings and Tibetan activities in the Bay Area, I decided to enroll in the weeklong training camp by SFT, where we were taught human rights activism skills, including climbing trees to hang banners, public speaking, Buddhist philosophy, non-violent direct action, and the current issues in Tibet. We met influential speakers such as Professor Robert Thurman of Columbia University; Tenzin Dorjee, Tibetan activist and Executive Director of SFT; Wei Jingsheng, former Chinese political prisoner and democracy activist; and many more. Watching them speak inspired me to open up and express my thoughts with confidence.
DEAR STUDENTS, MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS, 2011 has been a year of revolutionary change. From Tunisia to Egypt to Syria to Libya, there is electricity in the air as thousands of people rise up to end decades of oppression. In Tunisia, we witnessed a swift and decisive victory for democracy when nonviolent protests forced President Ben Ali to flee the country. Thousands of political prisoners were released overnight. In Egypt, street protests raged for weeks as pundits predicted that what worked in Tunisia would not work in Egypt, arguing Mubarak’s regime was much more stable than Ben Ali’s. However, people power continued to build in the streets, as hundreds of thousands of Egyptians occupied Tahrir Square. The army that Mubarak controlled only a few days back refused to shoot at his orders. In early February, the democratic dreams of 80 million Egyptians swept away three decades of nightmare under Mubarak’s regime.
Following the training, I interned at SFT’s headquarters. This experience taught me to overcome many challenges by further forcing me outside my comfort zone. I videotaped a protest held in front of the Chinese Consulate, interacted with many people while educating the public about Tibet, and helped with protests against the Nepalese government for forcibly returning Tibetan refugees to Tibet. It was this experience at the SFT headquarters that gave me the pride and confidence to open a new SFT chapter at Oakland Technical High School. I have been able to persuade some of my teachers to get on board and hope to get many students to join the organization and support the just cause of Tibetan human rights and freedom. By interning for SFT last summer, I felt a sense of accomplishment from contributing to the Tibetan freedom movement. In many challenging situations, I forgot about my fears of interacting with others and did what I thought was right to promote our cause. This has made me even more determined to fight for an independent Tibet and shown me the great potential of non-violent, grassroots activism to achieve that goal.
SFT’S FABULOUS SPRING INTERN BETSY Betsy, how did you hear about SFT? I heard about SFT while studying abroad in Kathmandu, Nepal last spring. I felt very affected by the March 10th protests in Boudhanath and felt I wanted to find a way to become involved in the movement. Upon returning to the U.S. I started interning with SFT this past January.
The historic events in the Arab world have sent political ripples across Tibet and China. Tibetans everywhere watch these nonviolent victories against tyranny and imagine, “When will our turn come?” Today, Tibetans are engaged in a growing noncooperation movement whose tactics are timetested as well as innovative. From Lhasa to Sertha to Kardze to Ngaba, more and more Tibetans are boycotting Chinese shops and restaurants in a campaign reminiscent of India’s textile boycott against the British. These actions are starting to dismantle China’s colonial control over Tibet as the street protests in Egypt dismantled corrupt regimes in the Arab World.
Tengyal, age 17
SFT’s Intern Betsy with a Yak in India
What has been your favorite part about interning at SFT so far? My favorite part of the internship has honestly been the entire collective experience. From lobbying in D.C., to protesting here in New York, to the daily office activities, I have learned more than I could have imagined about activism, the non-profit world and politics. I have been inspired by everyone I have met here to continue to actively stand and fight for justice and freedom for Tibet and globally. Give us one interesting fact about you that people may not know. An interesting fact about me that people may not know is that I rode on a yak in India.
Interested in interning with SFT HQ? Email: intern@studentsforafreetibet.org
NEWBIE IN THE OFFICE FAREWELL TO MARY KATE
Historic change is at hand. In light of the millions of restless Chinese peasants and migrant workers nursing their grievances against corruption, inequality, poverty, and repression, China is showing all the signs of a weakening empire and a brittle state. When you factor the internet’s impact into this equation, the Chinese government appears more impermanent than the regimes in Egypt and Tunisia did weeks before they fell. Fearing that revolution is contagious, Beijing has banned words like “Egypt” and “Jasmine” in microblogs and websites since the Arab spring. But in the age of information, anyone who fights a battle against information is doomed to fail. 2012 will mark a century since the collapse of the Manchu empire and the birth of modern Tibet. It’s a year bursting with the potential to become another watershed moment for Tibet. Will we be ready in the coming years - just like we were in 1912 - to seize the moment to restore Tibet’s independence and take our rightful place in the global community of nations?
Tendor Executive Director, Students for a Free Tibet
STEFANIE ROGERS, Operations Manager
MARY-KATE OREOVICZ, Development Manager
Stefanie first learned about SFT while participating in a service/learning program that brought her to St. Paul, Minnesota to work with Tibetan refugees. She was so inspired by the strength, compassion, and perseverance of the people she met that she decided to start a chapter at Vanderbilt University, where she was studying. The chapter sponsored a number of events including a presentation and discussion on the Tibet movement that was heard by over a hundred Chinese graduate students. In 2009 she was given the opportunity to intern at SFT HQ, assisting the Grassroots Director. Stefanie graduated in May of 2010 with a degree in International Leadership and Development. She is excited and honored to be working for the Tibet movement through the work at SFT HQ.
Mary-Kate became involved with Students for a Free Tibet in 2000 when she joined the chapter at Indiana University. After completing her degree in Cultural Anthropology she traveled to Tibet, India, and Nepal, to witness the occupation firsthand, and to teach English in exile communities. Her experiences there fueled her dedication to working for a free Tibet, and she returned to Indiana University to lead the SFT chapter and complete her MA in Tibetan Studies. She started working as SFT’s Development Director last March and has been a shining light in our office, as well as an integral part of the SFT team. Her passion and dedication to the movement has been an inspiration to all those who had the honor to work with her, and we wish her the best of luck with all her future endeavors.
D O N AT E T O D AY: w w w . s t u d e n t s f o r a f r e e t i b e t . o r g / d o n a t e Mail a check: SFT, 602 East 14th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10009
TRAINING THE NEW GENERATION
FREE TIBET! AC TION CAMP XII IN INDIA With much excitement and anticipation, SFT India hosted 70 participants, volunteers, and trainers from around the world for Free Tibet! Action Camp XII. In addition to the workshop modules, we had an inspiring list of guest speakers, including Lhasang Tsering, Rajiv Vohra, Professor Kondapalli, and Judy Tethong. We also had the honor of hosting an evening discussion with Tsewang Dhondup, who participated in the 2008 Uprising in Tibet and was shot twice for trying to save an injured monk during a protest in Dranggo, Kardze, of eastern Tibet. One unforgettable highlight of the camp and also the most challenging moment was the unforeseen storm that hit the site, which of course didn’t stop anyone from continuing their sessions! In the same spirit of resilience and rising above challenges and obstacles, our comrades left the site ready to fight the Chinese government – armed with more skills and of course loaded with ideas for creative nonviolent direct actions.
Chasing dragons at Free Tibet! Action Camp in the Catskills of New York
All of us at the SFT-India office are really touched and inspired by the tireless contribution from the trainers, Tibetan activist Tenzin Tsundue, SFT-India Since January, SFT has held leadership trainings in Taiwan, Japan, San Francisco, Boston, Minnesota, friends and volunteers, our cooks from the Tibetan London, India, and Washington, DC – twice. In less than a year, we’ve trained over 300 Tibetans and Children’s Village Vocational Training Center in supporters to become more effective leaders, spokespeople and campaigners for Tibetan freedom. Read Selakui, Dehradun, and the one and only Rana family who welcomed us as one of their own and highlights from a handful of these trainings below. made us feel at home!
LEADERSHIP AND ACTIVIST TRAINING
JAPAN
SFT Japan held its first ever leadership training this January. SFT’s Executive Director Tendor, Deputy Director Kate Woznow, and the Director of Tibet Action Institute (and former Executive Director of SFT), Lhadon Tethong, flew to Tokyo and led this 3-day training. SFT Japan kicked off the weekend by hosting an evening of poetry readings and performances of banned songs and writings from inside Tibet. Many in the audience shed tears as they heard the moving lyrics of Tashi Dhondup’s song “No Regrets.” The evening left the group with a greater sense of purpose and commitment to the two days of training. After the training, SFT Japan’s incredible team of volunteer board members was re-inspired to work for Tibetan freedom, and to take the Tibet Movement in Japan to the next level.
-Tenchoe, Outgoing National Director, SFT India
TAIWAN
In its first year alone, SFT Taiwan has become a strong, dynamic and respected group in East Asia. There is Blockades workshop at Free Tibet! Action Camp in Dharamsala a lot of potential to continue building the Tibet Movement in Taiwan, China’s democratic neighbor, which made us so excited to hold our first official training in Taipei in February 2011. One interesting opportunity that has opened up is the flow of mainland Chinese students studying in Taiwanese universities who are becoming exposed to a democratic society and developing a better understanding of what a democratic China could look like and feel like. SFT Taiwan is leading the charge to also make these students more aware of the true nature of Chinese rule in Tibet. This trip was a lot of firsts for me: my first time to India and my first time being a participant in an action camp! Needless to say I was very excited, USA At the coast-to-coast trainings across the USA this year, we met dozens of eager, fun, and smart students but also a little bit anxious. I wasn’t completely with the right fighting spirit, making the whole experience enjoyable and worthwhile. Each training was sure what to expect. After a 14-hour flight, and a different and had its own unique mark. In Boston, ex-political prisoner Ngawang Sangdrol la was a guest 12-hour drive we finally reached Dharamsala, and speaker; in San Francisco we launched the 5th episode of the Renaissance Series; in Minnesota, we spoke my nerves were calmed instantly when all the staff about the growing Lhakar noncooperation movement inside Tibet; and in Washington, D.C., we focused and volunteers of SFT India welcomed us upon on grassroots lobbying skills. We spent hours in serious study and of course hours of laughing and joking arrival. After a few days of exploring the town and together to build a strong network of young student leaders ready and equipped to advance the Free preparing for the week, we headed down the hill to the campsite, and waited for the participants to Tibet movement. arrive.
EXCITED, EXHAUSTED, AND SO VERY HOPEFUL
FREE TIBET! ACTION CAMP XI
Over 50 participants from 5 countries attended SFT’s 11th Free Tibet! Action Camp in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Participants received training in media advocacy, strategic campaigning, digital activism, political lobbying, direct action climbing, grassroots organizing, public speaking and much more. This unforgettable week–long experience trained participants to become effective leaders and organizers in the struggle for Tibetan freedom. Established chapter leaders went back to their respective schools more energized and inspired, and first-timers went back to start their own chapters. Participants now grounded in the art of non-violent resistance took away new friendships and solidified their determination to free Tibet. Likewise, trainers and volunteers left with a hopeful note of having shared their knowledge, expertise, and experience with the new generation of leaders for the Tibet movement. - Tenzin Dolkar, USA Grassroots Director
To request a training in your region or school, email: grassroots@studentsforafreetibet.org
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As each day passed, and with every session and training, I became more aware of how smart, passionate, and determined each of my fellow participants were. I have never been so amazed by a group of people in my life and I am so inspired by the next generation of leaders that were there developing their knowledge and skills for the Free Tibet Movement. Action camp helped us all become more aware of what we are up against, more focused on non-violent direct action as a medium to gain successes, and more determined to win. I can’t wait to see what this group of people, and the future participants of action camps will do for the Free Tibet Movement. I am honored and very thankful to have been a part of it. -Stefanie Rogers, Operations Manager
01. POETRY IN RESISTANCE
02. REVOLUTION
Queens, NY The first-ever episode of SFT’s Renaissance Series took place in Jackson Heights, Queens – Tibet central for New York-based Tibetan exiles. Readings from original works by local Tibetan artists and writers and excerpts from prominent Tibetan intellectuals like Dolma Kyab and Woeser were featured.
New York, NY Following the success of the pilot episode, SFT explored the rhythms and beats of Tibetan resistance and dissent through music in the second episode of the Renaissance Series. Boasting an attendance of nearly 100 people including online viewers, SFT highlighted the popular Tibetan singer, Tashi Dhondup, who was sentenced to 15 months of “re-education through labor” on January 5, 2010. He was arrested for boldly calling for the return of the Dalai Lama and lack of freedom in Tibet in his album ‘Torture without Trace.’ The program included commentaries on resistance through music, “reactionary ringtones” sharing, and performances by songs and contemporary hip-hop songs. In advance songs from inside Tibet that carry messages of hop Jamyang Kyi. The crowd’s favorite performance of th by a young, New York-based Tibetan singer, Dolma. T “Separate as our birth parents may be, we are a pair of k say a distance has grown. There may be physical distanc
The most inspiring aspect of the poetry reading and mini-concert was the strong and hopeful voices of these Tibetan poets, writers, and singers that shined through as they spoke and sang out about Tenzin Choegyal performing at Poetry in Resistance the injustices and human rights violations Tibetans are subject to in Tibet and China. Their songs and poems spread hope for a better future when they could freely express their feelings, thoughts, and emotions – a right that should be endowed to all human beings. Although more than half of the poems read by SFT members, supporters, and friends were written by Tibetans that were or still are detained, imprisoned, or tortured, their voices were nevertheless powerfully heard. A number of the poems were especially moving, as the poems included personal accounts of Tibetans living and suffering under Chinese occupation. This event, which would have been deemed a “subversive act” by the Chinese government, was freely carried out in Jackson Heights, Queens.
RENAISS SERIES|
RENAISSANCE SERIES is presented by Students for a Free Tibet to promote the writings, poetry, protests swept across the Tibetan plateau in March 2008, the Chinese government has arrested China’s oppressive policies in Tibet.
In spite of this escalating repression, there is a cultural renaissance underway in Tibet with an e enduring spirit of Tibetan resistance. We encourage people everywhere to read the books, watc everything banned in Tibet, we will shine a spotlight on Chinese-government repression, mobiliz SFTers with Venerable Lobsang Monlam
04. IN MY MOTHER TONGUE: FREEDOM THROUGH LANGUAGE
New York, NY In solidarity with the student protests for Tibetan language rights in eastern Tibet, SFT celebrated the rich expressive power and enduring beauty of the Tibetan language in the 4th Episode of the Renaissance Series. The program highlighted how Tibetans, both in Tibet and in exile, are reclaiming their language as an expression of their identity. We also explored how the Tibetan language is emerging as an active tool of resistance against China’s colonial occupation. Venerable Lobsang Monlam, creator of Monlam Tibetan Unicode, Monlam Digital Dictionary, and the newly released Tibetan keyboard for iPhone 4.2, as well as Lhadon Tethong and Nathan Freitas of the Tibet Action Institute spoke about how the global digital community is welcoming the Tibetan language as a mainstream modern language – a powerful way to counter China’s attempted to marginalize Tibetan language.
05. RAGING STORM:
WORDS FROM THE NEW GENERATION
UC Berkeley, CA SFT’s newly founded chapter at UC Berkeley in California hosted Episode 5, which explored the writings of the new generation of Tibetans in Tibet. Presenters read works by imprisoned Tibetan youth Tashi Rabten, Dhronko, Buddha (pen-name) and Kelsang Jinpa, and discussed how their ideas and words are shaping the growing resistance movement in Tibet. Tashi Rabten is the author of a collection of essays titled, “Written in Blood” and the editor of the popular magazine Shar Dungri (Eastern Snow Mountain). A student at the Northwest Nationalities University in Lanzhou, he was detained in April 2010 and sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment this July. Dhronko, Buddha (pen-name) and Kelsang Jinpa, who also contributed to Shar Dungri, were sentenced to 4 years, 4 years, and 3 years of imprisonment respectively. During the evening, their cases were highlighted and petitions were circulated for their release – and most importantly their voices were heard loud and clear by all those gathered.
06. 第六話 荒れ狂う嵐
NARY BEATS
03. I AM TIBETAN ང་བོད་པ་ཡིན། VOICES FROM OCCUPIED TIBET Chinese Consulate, NY September 1st signaled the beginning of China’s “Heaven in Tibet” Week at the Shanghai World Expo. In an attempt to claim Tibetan culture as its own and whitewash its abysmal human rights record in Tibet, the Chinese government spent billions of dollars on yet another propaganda spectacle. There could have been no better time to hold Episode 3 of the Renaissance Series in front of the Chinese Consulate! Episode 3 explored the themes of Pride, Unity & Vision in the cultural renaissance that is taking place inside Tibet. Poems and songs released before the 2008 Tibetan National Uprising were juxtaposed with postUprising content that carried a bold and more defiant tone. A big Thank You goes to the blog High Peaks Pure Earth for translating these incredible works of art coming from inside Tibet.
y young Tibetans performing both traditional Tibetan e of the episode, SFT translated a number of beloved pe and unity by popular Tibetan singers Kunga and he night was Jamyang Kyi’s ‘You and Me,’ performed This refrain on unity struck a chord with many of us: kids of the snowy mountains. Between you and me, don’t ce, but our hearts remain connected.”
At night, the Chinese Consulate provided the perfect canvas for projecting images of Rungye Adak, Shogdung, Tashi Dhondup, Kalsang Tsultrim and other jailed Tibetan artists, writers, musicians, and cultural figures.
SANCE |
Amplifying Everything Banned in Tibet
, music and other works of art and literature banned in Chinese-occupied Tibet. Since widespread d and imprisoned numerous Tibetan writers, artists, and intellectuals for expressing their views on
endless stream of poems, essays, songs and paintings devoted to Tibetan identity, culture and the ch the films, and listen to the songs that the Chinese government is trying to censor. By amplifying ze global support for Tibetans jailed by China, and thus ensure that their voices are not silenced.
う嵐 新世代からの言葉
東京(Tokoyo, Japan) このエピソードではチベットの新世代が２０ ０８年の騒乱の観点などについて書いた文 章を取り上げ、彼らの考えや言葉をチベット で大きくなって行く反抗運動（レジスタンス） の方向にどういうふうに影響しているかを話 題にした。 タシ・ラブテン、ドンコ、ブッダ（ペンネーム） 、ケルサン・ジンパの作品や声を抑制されな いため、刑務所から解放を確保するために、 彼らの作品を抄録して注目した。 「血で書か れた」呼ばれるエッセイー集の著者で、人気 な雑誌「シャー・ドゥングリ（東方の雪山） 」の 編集者タシ・ラブテン（ペンネーム：テウラン（ 神話的な幽霊） ）２０１０年４月から勾留さ れ、現在バーカム郡の刑務所に収監されて いると考えられています。著者した文章のた めに、 「シャー・ドゥングリ」の参加者三人はド ンコとブッダ（ペンネーム） は懲役四年の刑、 ケルサン・ジンパは懲役３年の刑が言い渡さ れた。
07. REVOLUTION UPLOADED St.Paul, MN To draw parallels between the people’s movements that have taken root in the Arab world and the growing Tibetan resistance movement inside Tibet, Episode 7 focused on revolution-themed art and literature. The Episode was held in conjunction with SFT’s midwest regional training conference. Readings, commentaries and a short film screening were preceded by a lively discussion about the implications of the Arab Spring for Tibet and China. As revolutionary zeal spreads globally online and through social media, how can the Tunisia effect penetrate the Great Firewall of China? What lessons can Tibetans learn from the people’s movement in Egypt? The audience left with a better understanding of how the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt were organized and with new ideas of how to support the resistance movement inside Tibet.
08. WRITTEN IN EXILE Queens, NY Poetry and literature has a long history of bringing inspiration and momentum to social justice and freedom movements. Inside Tibet, we’re witnessing a renaissance as young Tibetans powerfully express themselves in response to the political situation around them. At the same time, there is a growing movement of young Tibetan writers and poets in exile who are using the power of language to reflect on their experiences, express their longing for a homeland, and record their hopes for the future. Leading this new generation of writers in exile is Tsering Wangmo Dhompa, the critically acclaimed poet and author of “Rules of the House,” and “In the Absent Everyday.” We were delighted and honored to have Tsering la join us for Renaissance Series, Episode 08: Written in Exile. The intimate evening also featured several young Tibetan writers including Tsering Lama, Tenzing Rigdol and Tenzin Dickyi. Thank you to everyone who shared their works, allowing the audience to experience the depth and dynamism of Tibetan exile writing. Renaissance Series has gone global! Props to SFT UK, Canada and India for hosting episodes. To host your own Renaissance Series, email: grassroots@studentsforafreetibet.org 5
SFT Japan’s Board of Directors with SFT HQ and Tibet Action
SFT UK’s first-ever Momo Eating Contest
SFTers and Tibetans from Virgina on Capital Hill
SFT NATIONAL UPDATES
SFT JAPAN
2010-11 was a busy year for SFT Japan with an average of two events a month for the entire year! The highlights included: Protests at the Chinese embassy and a large demonstration on March 10th to commemorate the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising, participation in the Asia Regional International Tibet Network meeting in Dharamsala in late March, booths at Earth Day events in Tokyo and Aichi, and a screening of Meltdown in Tibet, a film about the crisis facing Tibet’s water resources with well-known Japanese alpinist Ken Noguchi. We also highlighted the plight of Tibetan nomads by screening the documentary Undercover in Tibet in various locations, and held a panel discussion on the Tibetan cause in Mie prefecture with Amnesty. We participated in the “Free Tibet, Free People!” music festival in Osaka, organized a Peace Walk for Tibet in Yokohama to coincide with the APEC demonstrations, held demonstrations to mark International Human Rights Day, and premiered the film The Sun Behind the Clouds in Tokyo. In February 2011, we hosted SFT HQ’s Tendor and Kate as well as Tibet Action Institute’s Lhadon Tethong for 3 packed days of workshops and talks on the future of the Tibet movement. More than 30 people attended the training and we held SFT Japan’s first Renaissance Series. We are looking forward to another busy year ahead. If any SFT member happens to find themselves in Japan and would like to meet up, feel free to look us up. Who knows, you might be just in time to join us at an event. Bodgyalo! -Tsering Dorjee, National Coordinator, SFT Japan
SFT UK
This year has been a rollercoaster for SFT UK, packed with fun and exciting events and dynamic campaigning. We also successfully tapped into networks we have never approached before. In April, SFT UK hosted an academic talk titled ‘Pure Earths - The environmental challenges facing Tibet in the twenty-first century.’ Our aim was to encourage the general public to learn about the changing ecosystem of the Tibetan plateau and to promote sustainable solutions towards preserving Tibet’s unique environment. Our campaign team Luke Ward and Padma Dolma have created an action tool kit for SFT members that is an educational and advocacy tool to stop China’s environmental destruction in Tibet including damming, mining, deforestation and nomad resettlement. This year we also launched a mini site entitled ‘Guardians of a Free Tibet’ where supporters can become a Guardian of a Tibetan political prisoner for as little as £3 a month. In return Guardians will receive an action pack specific to their political prisoner and also a copy of our seasonal magazine. SFT UK’s grassroots curriculum will continue to focus on leadership training for the young and energetic Tibetans and supporters to raise their advocacy, communication and activism to the next level. If you’re in the UK, we hope you’ll join us for our anual SFT UK National Conference in November. -Pema Yoko, National Coordinator, SFT UK
SFT’S PRESENCE GROWS IN THE U.S. CAPITAL
After living and working with Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala last year, students from American University (AU) became passionate about the Tibetan cause. These students launched the first official SFT chapter at American University last fall -recruiting interested students, holding general meetings on campus, and creating an executive board. The chapter held its first major event, entitled “Walk to Exile,” in late March 2011. The goal was to raise awareness about the situation in Tibet and the plight of Tibetan refugees by calculating the number of hours Tibetans walk when fleeing from Tibet into Nepal. Small groups took turns walking around campus holding banners and wearing Tibet shirts. The combined hours the SFT groups walked equaled the total number of hours an average Tibetan walks when fleeing from Tibet. SFT AU members also participated in the 3rd Annual Tibet Lobby Day in Washington DC attended by over 75 Tibetans and supporters from across America. Lobby Day is an initiative launched by SFT in coalition with Tibetan associations and Tibet support groups. In a show of grassroots force, we descend on Capitol Hill for two-days for meetings with our elected representatives to urge them to speak up for Tibet. Through these events, SFT AU achieved its goal of having a strong and effective presence on campus and is looking forward to the year ahead! -Hillary Levin, U.S. Mid Atlantic Regional Coordinator
SFT CANADA GRASSROOTS UPDATE It has been an exhilarating year for SFT Canada! We wrapped up the SFT Canada National Conference in Calgary, hosted our first Renaissance Series event, and our ‘Stop Mining Tibet’ campaign continues to build momentum. We hosted our first conference of the school year at the University of Calgary, home to one of SFT Canada’s strongest and most active chapters. We look forward to seeing this dynamic group of students and youth who participated in the conference take even greater leadership roles in the Tibetan freedom struggle in years to come. SFT Vancouver protests against China Gold Inc.
As part of our strategy to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Tibet Freedom Movement, our annual summer internship provides active members with mentorship and leadership opportunities. This summer we welcomed Tsering Asha from SFT Calgary to our headquarters in Toronto for the summer! Our former intern Urgen Sangye has since joined the SFT Canada Board of Directors and has proved to be a valuable asset to the SFT Canada staff. He has played a major role in organizing SFT Canada’s largest event of the past year, “The Art of Resistance,” with Lhadon Tethong and Tendor, the former and current Executive Directors of SFT International. Our first Renaissance Series event in Toronto showcased poetry, music and literature written by local SFT members as well as artists in Tibet who have risked everything to express themselves. It was inspiring to see the growth of the Tibet movement through young Tibetan students in Canada rise up whether with a pen, a paintbrush, or their voices. SFT Canada’s efforts to stop mining in Tibet by Canadian-based corporations have been heating up. Canadian mining corporations continue to lead the gold rush into Tibet and SFT Canada is making sure the voices of Tibetans inside Tibet are heard. We are calling on Canadian mining companies, like the Vancouverbased China Gold International Resources, to stop looting Tibet’s natural resources and destroying Tibet’s fragile environment. It has been an incredible year so far for SFT Canada but we still have a long way to go. We’d like to give a huge THANK YOU to our generous donors who continue to contribute to SFT Canada through our Rangzen Circle program as well as through individual donations. Your support not only sustains us, but also inspires us to reach higher in our work to free Tibet. - Tenzin Lobsang, Director, SFT Canada
LHAKAR: TIBETAN SELF-RELIANCE The Lhakar (“White Wednesday”) movement is the most significant grassroots initiative to emerge from inside Tibet in recent years. What began as a campaign to carry out simple acts of cultural celebration on Wednesdays has evolved into a self-reliance movement through which Tibetans are channeling their spirit of resistance into social, cultural and economic activities that promote Tibetan identity, civil society networks and organizing capacity, while withdrawing support from Chinese institutions and businesses. In spite of China’s intensified crackdown, Tibetans have embraced the power of strategic nonviolent resistance. A growing number of Tibetans across Tibet are making special efforts to wear traditional clothes, speak Tibetan, eat at Tibetan restaurants and buy only from Tibetan-owned businesses. Lhakar is shifting the struggle inside Tibet from a high-risk, protest-based movement to a low-risk, sustainable, noncooperation-based movement that is steadily building capacity amongst Tibetans while simultaneously empowering and unifying them. Make a Lhakar Pledge – commit to one concrete action for Tibet every Wednesday – to promote Tibetan language, culture, businesses, and to engage in a global noncooperation movement that will morally, economically, and politically isolate the Chinese government. Write your pledge at
www.Lhakar.org. You can also check out Lhakar Diaries, where a group of young writers in exile blog regularly: www.lhakardiaries.com SFT has launched a Lhakar tour this year to promote this extraordinary development. To host a Lhakar presentation at your school and/or your community, email: grassroots@studentsforafreetibet.org
NOMAD RIGHTS IN TIBET CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED Nomads have lived on the grasslands of the Tibetan plateau for millions of years. They are the keepers of Tibet’s ancient culture and guardians of the environment. Approximately 2.25 million Tibetans -- one third of the nation’s population -- live nomadic or semi-nomadic lives. In 1998, the Chinese government declared that “all herdsmen are expected to end the nomadic way of life by the end of the century.” China’s nomad resettlement policies are designed to control and assimilate Tibetan nomads into Chinese society, and to counteract the Dalai Lama’s influence. As of 2010, over 1.4 million Tibetans had been settled into ghetto-style housing blocks. Land is seized under a false claim of “environmental protection,” but studies have shown that nomads’ traditional grazing patterns help mitigate the impact of climate change. Fenced off land is not “rehabilitated” but rather sold to Chinese and foreign mining companies. Massive dam construction is also further damaging the fragile environment of the plateau. Coercive resettlement has caused massive social and economic problems for nomadic communities, who have lived sustainably off the land for generations. Families are forced to sell or slaughter their animals with few economic alternatives; unemployment, alcoholism, and suicide now run rampant in the settlements. History has shown us the tragic consequences people face when they are forced off their land. The global community has sworn not to let history repeat itself, yet China is carrying out a death sentence for Tibet’s nomadic communities right now. You can help! Stand with Tibetan Nomads as they stand for their rights. Visit www.NomadRights.org to take action and order postcards online.
MURDER IN THE HIGH HIMALAYA BY JONATHAN GREEN
September 2006: Kelsang Namtso was just a few hundred steps from freedom when she was shot to death on the Nangpa Pass between Tibet and Nepal by China’s border patrol. Beijing quickly tried to bury the story, but thanks to this book the heartbreaking story of Kelsang and her friend Dolma has come to life in vivid detail. Well researched and skillfully written, Murder in the High Himalaya is a must-read for anyone who wants to know why or how Tibetans, including children, cross the highest mountains in the world, risking their lives every year. Who are they running from? Where are they escaping to? Who makes it to the other side? Who dies in the snow? Through the highest form of investigative journalism, Jonathan Green delivers the answers. The paperback version of this book was recently released and is now available for purchase online or at your local bookstore.
ART FOR TIBET SFT’s second annual Art for Tibet charity event and art auction was a huge success thanks to the more than 100 acclaimed artists who donated original works in support of the Tibetan freedom struggle. Renowned contemporary Tibetan and international artists included: Shepard Fairey, Tenzing Rigdol, Gonkar Gyatso, Pema Rinzin, David Ellis, Gyatso Losang, Kenji Hirata, Swoon, Richard Gere, Yvonne Jacquette, and many more. Thank you to the Union Gallery Annex for generously donating space for the 5-day exhibition and auction. We are grateful for the support of our Honorary and Curatorial Committee members: Richard Gere, Yodon Thonden, Robert Thurman, Shepard Fairey, Joseph Ian Henrikson, Kurt Langer, John Peet, Simeon Lipman, Tenzing Rigdol, Lisa Shimamura, and Sonam Zoksang. Due to the overwhelming success of A4T2, we are excited to announce Art for Tibet 3 was held on Friday, October 14. If you’re in the New York area, you don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event (Joshua Liner Gallery, 548 West 28th Street). Art for Tibet is also going global with SFT UK and SFT Canada hosting their own Art for Tibet auctions this year. Please check www.ArtForTibet.org for updates! 7
If undeliverable please return to: Students for a Free Tibet 602 East 14th Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10009 USA
Dates to Remember
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October 17-22: Free Tibet! Action Camp XIV October 19: Global Day of Action for Tibetan Language Rights December 10: International Human Rights Day January 26: International Day of Action for the release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche February 22: Losar – Tibetan New Year March 10: 53rd Anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising
banned in tibet Design & Layout: Nick Gulotta SFT HQ: Tenzin Dorjee Executive Director Kate Woznow Deputy Director Tenzin Dolkar USA Grassroots Director Stefanie Rogers Operations Manager SFT India: P.O. Mcleod Ganj. Dharamshala District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh India – 176219 www.sftindia.org | info@sftindia.org Dorjee Tseten National Director SFT Canada: @ Centre for Social Innovation 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 415 Toronto, ON M5T 2C7, Canada www.sftcanada.org | 647-722-2350 Tenzin Lobsang National Director SFT UK: Unit 9, 139 Fonthill Road Finsbury Park London, N4 3HF, United Kingdom Pema Yoko National Coordinator Banned in Tibet is a semi-annual newsletter published by Students for a Free Tibet. SFT works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. As a chapter-based network of young people and activists in 35 countries around the world, we use education, grassroots organizing, and nonviolent direct action to campaign for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom.
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