U.S. Highlights Ethnic Culture, Awards US$77,928 Grant 
for “Preservation of Akha Culture” at Baan Doi Chang, Chiang Rai
Grant is largest awarded in East Asia this year for cultural preservation
 

Today (September  1, 2010),  U.S. Consul General Susan N. Stevenson,  representing U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John, presented  a  grant for  US$77,928  to preserve Akha culture  under the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.  Also attending the grant ceremony were, U.S. Cultural Attaché  J.P. Schutte, Mae Sruay District Chief Officer,  Thai  government officials,  Baan  Doi Chang community leaders  and over  one  hundred villagers.   

Consul General Stevenson presented a symbolic check for the grant  to Mr. Jianhua Wang, Regional Coordinator of the Mekong Akha Network for Peace and Sustainability (MAPS) under the Inter Mountain Peoples Education and Culture in Thailand Association (IMPECT).  The  Consul General also joined the Akha Swing Ceremony and watched a traditional Akha cultural performance. 

The U.S. Consul General, who  began her  assignment in  Chiang Mai in  August,  said,  “I am delighted to visit Chiang Rai during its 750 anniversary, and especially for the chance to visit Baan Doi Chang and witness traditional  Akha culture.  The grant we presented today will support documentation of Akha cultural rites, as well as literacy training and cultural and educational programs for Akha youth.

The United States is proud to play a role  in promoting  cultural and ethnic diversity  in Thailand.   This project to preserve Akha culture benefits not just the Akha people, but the whole world.”  Consul General Stevenson also called for interested cultural organizations in the  region to submit proposals to the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.    More information can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website.

The project is located at Baan Doi Chang Village, Wawee Sub-District, Mae Suay District, Chiang Rai province. The village of Baan Doi Chang – one of Thailand’s largest Akha villages — is one of the few that still practices traditional Akha culture. While in the past Doi Chang villagers cultivated opium and practiced “slash and burn” agriculture, crop substitution programs have encouraged them instead  to grow coffee and other highland fruits and plants.

The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation was established by the U.S. Congress in 2001 to support efforts of countries worldwide to rescue cultural heritage in danger of being lost forever.  Thailand has been awarded a total of ten grants, including thisone.

Several projects are in  the North, such as the preservation of Wat Baan Koh mural painting, Lampang Province (US$52,800); the Ban Rai and Tham Lod rockshelters in Mae Hong Son (US$34,600);  and  community-based preservation of  traditional house in the historic city of phrase (US$20,000)

Credit: http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/programs_and_events/2010/akha-culture.html