FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2006

BEIJING UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR MEETS WITH
HAWAIIAN COUNCIL ON INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND PRESERVATION

HONOLULU, HI - The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) welcomed a visit to Hawaii by Dr. Danqu, the first Tibetan professor at Beijing University since 1958, who teaches Tibetan language, culture and religion.  Dr. Danqu’s visit was a part of a Cultural Preservation and Human Rights program.

CNHA and Dr. Danqu discussed important issues related to indigenous and minority rights.  Topics included maintenance and preservation of cultural identity, promoting education and systems of self-governance, increasing peace building and tolerance in civil society and the role of U.S. governmental and non-governmental programs in advocacy efforts. 

“CNHA’s Public Policy Center has focused on questions of self-governance and cultural preservation because these issues will always be central to the well-being of our communities,” said Lisa C. Oshiro, CNHA Senior Policy Analyst.  “Our engagement with Dr. Danqu reinforces the vibrant and important role that indigenous and minority communities play around the world.  We are excited about creating a long-term partnership where we continue to share stories and exchange strategies that will mutually benefit our communities.” 

The visit was coordinated through the International Visitors Leadership Program, a program of the U.S. Department of State, which brings foreign leaders to the U.S. to meet directly with their American counterparts to exchange knowledge and strengthen relations. 

Operating a Public Policy Center, CNHA coordinates community consultation sessions on topics of interest to Native communities in all areas, including affordable housing, cultural preservation and economic development. For more information, please contact CNHA via telephone at 808.521.5011 or toll-free at 800.709.2642, via e-mail at info@hawaiiancouncil.org or visit our website at www.hawaiiancouncil.org.

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Media Contact: Lilia Kapuniai, CNHA Vice President