UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032 recognizes, “Languages are one of the most significant emblems of human diversity, revealing how we can perceive, relate to, and understand the world differently. Languages are vehicles of our cultures, collective memory, and values. They are an essential component of our identities.”
The Monpas are translating their oral language into Dzongkha and English and creating a dictionary. Their language will be taught in the classroom of the local school.
TTF is supporting a grassroots sustainable cultural preservation initiative to document and revive the Monpa culture by teaching their youth about the Monpa lineage, religious activities, traditional foods, crafts and dress using nettle cloth, songs, ceremonies, and medicine.
Monpa Elders, Shamans, and the Monpa Lama are contributing their indigenous perspective on how to transform education in their community. Together, we can preserve this ancient wisdom to share for all to learn from their teachings.