On June 13, Parliament Hill in Canada came alive with vibrant celebrations as the parliamentary Friends of Tibet and Parliamentary Tibetan Youth Interns organized a grand event to commemorate Tibet Day. The event saw the participation of esteemed Members of Parliament (MPs), including Arif Virani, Garnett Genius, and James Maloney, who joined hands to honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Tibet.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the unique cultural identity and historical significance of Tibet, while also fostering solidarity and understanding between Canada and the Tibetan community. The event commenced at 12:00 PM, with attendees gathering in Room 306 in the Valour building, where Tibetan food and drinks, including the beloved momos, were served. The aroma of the delectable cuisine filled the air, setting the stage for an immersive Tibetan culinary experience.
Garnett Genius, MP, tweeted on his Twitter handle “Today we celebrated Tibet Day on the Hill and recognized the work of Parliamentary interns from the Tibetan-Canadian community. This past year, Parliament adopted my motion calling for genuine autonomy for Tibet. Our work must continue to stand up for Tibet and for Canadians of Tibetan origin”.
“Tibet Day on the Hill today was a great success! Thank you to the 2023 Parliamentary Friends of Tibet Internship Program cohort for putting it all together and educating people on Tibetan Culture and History”, tweeted by Arif Virani, MP and a strong advocate for human rights.
The highlight of the event was the insightful panel discussion, which featured esteemed experts and researchers who shared their valuable perspectives on Tibet's challenges. Dr. Emile Dirks, a distinguished researcher specializing in Tibetan cultural preservation and collection, illuminated the audience with his profound knowledge and experience.
Dr. Darren Byler, an expert on Chinese policies and their impact on Tibet, provided valuable insights into the complex dynamics at play. Pema Doma, an executive student for Free Tibet, eloquently articulated the aspirations and struggles of the Tibetan people. Additionally, Gwen Philips, an Indigenous Sovereignty Advocate, drew connections between Indigenous struggles and the Tibetan cause, fostering a sense of solidarity.
The event also provided a platform for Tibetan youth interns to share their experiences, aspirations, and perspectives. These young individuals, passionate about their Tibetan heritage, showcased their talent and dedication to preserving their culture and advocating for their community.
The celebration of Tibet Day on Parliament Hill exemplified the commitment of the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet and Parliamentary Tibetan Youth Interns in promoting awareness and support for the Tibetan cause. By bringing together MPs, youth interns, and the wider community, the event fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration. It underscored the importance of upholding human rights, religious freedom, and the preservation of cultural diversity not only in Tibet but globally.
Edited and collated by Team TRC