Perspectives of Indigenous Bridges

  In its ongoing effort to expand its network of Indigenous groups for the purpose of cooperation, the ATAYAL Organization has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tao Foundation of Orchid Island to expand its Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program (IBYAP) to include the Tao Tribe. The Tao Tribe is one of Taiwan's 16 recognized Indigenous groups, and it is the group that is recognized for its canoe-going culture. On Saturday, May 18, 2024, ATAYAL President Tony Coolidge met with the Tao Foundation CEO Syaman Manalap on Orchid Island to sign the MOU. They also visited the newly-built 20-person cinedkaran canoe, an important icon of the Tao traditional culture. Click here to see MOU (Letter) | Click here to see MOU (A4) 

Nina Jagannathan's journey to the ATAYAL Organization is as unique and compelling as her vibrant career. Born in New York City to parents with a strong academic background, Nina spent most of her childhood in Iowa City, Iowa, where she developed a profound sense of activism. From an early age, she advocated for the disenfranchised and challenged the narrow perspectives often presented in history and social studies classes. Driven by a desire to explore diverse cultures and viewpoints, Nina broadened her own understanding well beyond her initial exposures. After earning a postgraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Nina embarked on a successful, multi-decade career in technology. She excelled in bridging the gap between the business and technical sides, sharpening her expertise in both areas. Outside of her professional life, Nina enjoys a range of hobbies, including watching hockey, cooking, and performing stand-up comedy. However, her greatest passions are global philanthropy a

The Executive Director of ATAYAL introduces the IBYAP program to Kimokeo Kapahulehua. We can provide a tax-deductible receipt for donations from the USA. For donations in Taiwan, they will be provided to our partner, Tao Foundation, https://www.taofoundation.org.tw/. Supporters in Taiwan may also form an Association which can receive Taiwanese donations. Our Budget in 2024 supports the expansion of activities for the development and implementation of the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program (IBYAP) and also pursues the goals of our 2023 Vision Statement. Our fundraising goal is to raise $104,145 for the 2024 Annual Budget through a combination of donations, sponsorships, grants, and subscriptions. The bulk of the activities we are funding in 2024 will be in Hawai'i as we now have established relationships in Hawai'i and the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) will take place there. Aside from FestPAC fundraising, money must also be raised in advance for t

  We had the pleasure of introducing the Taloma Youth Group with the Yakan Tribe on Palawan The Year of 2023 was one of our busiest ever, with multiple exchange activities, as well as expanded development of relationships for the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program (IBYAP). We also made key strategic decisions for the development of the IBYAP program, including the opening of our Hawai'i office in Maui and adding our Regional Director of Hawai'i, Leiven Hwang. Having three pillars for the program (Washington State/Hawai'i/Taiwan) creates a framework for exchange and cooperation between Austronesian communities, and likewise, we have the ability to introduce the beautiful cultures and timeless wisdom of the Austronesian peoples to American people. This year, we dove into various activities and upgraded our program as well. We made substantial progress with the four pillars of our organization:  Recruiting, Program Development, Partnerships and Fundraising . I. STAFF

IBYAP youth ambassadors at the 2023 Tribal Canoe Journeys The Financials of 2023 reflect a year in which the organization renewed its cultural exchange activity. The organization focused on developing its strategies and partnerships with Austronesian nation for the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program. The goal will be to bring together delegations of Austronesian nations for exchanges. The expenses reflect this increased level of activity over 2023. The donations for 2023 have increased over 2022, which was a result of our fundraising campaign. INCOME ($17,319.30) Donations (15) - $17,319.30 EXPENSES ($16,855.08) OPERATIONAL EXPENSES ($2,377.79) Professional Services - $638.36     Office Supplies/Software - $29.54 Printing - $32.77 Postage and Delivery - $0.88 Dues and Subscriptions - $90.00 Meals and Entertainment - $438.55    Travel and Transportation - $557.56      Rent - 2023 Washington State Registered Agent Fee and Mailbox Rental - $300.00 Bank Fees - $290.13 PROGRAM EXPE

From left to right: Gary Smoke, Ambassador Jarden Kephas (Nauru), Ambassador Bikeni Paeniu (Tuvalu), Tony Coolidge On Monday, October 2nd, 2023, a day after the 45th Independence Day of Tuvalu, two Officers of the ATAYAL Organization visited the offices of H.E. The Right Honorable Bikeni Paeniu, Ambassador of Tuvalu. The purpose of the meeting was twofold: to discuss rebuilding efforts of communities in Maui and to discuss participation of Tuvaluan youth in the ATAYAL Organization's Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program (IBYAP).  Click to view profile of the organization and the IBYAP program The ATAYAL Organization offered a presentation about the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program, and discussed its plans form an Austronesian delegation to participate in the program, including the annual Tribal Canoe Journeys in Washington State. The event is the largest Indigenous cultural event that brings together canoe-going groups, currently attracting thousands of participant