Perspectives of Indigenous Bridges

      2022 Indigenous Bridges Virtual Conference: Revitalizing Indigenous Tourism In The Post-Pandemic World A virtual cultural exchange event of the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program (IBYAP) hosted by the ATAYAL Organization.   Vision Statement   This virtual cultural exchange conference and exhibit strives to build connections between indigenous youth that starts with interactive culture-sharing opportunities that promote understanding. From the position of mutual respect and understanding, we offer a platform of learning and problem-solving activities that build leadership potential. While the pandemic has forced many of us to remain apart, technology has allowed our generation to remain connected digitally, where we can continue to advocate methods of sustainable development and environmental protection while respecting cultural traditions.   Objectives   The virtual cultural exchange event of the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Progr...

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the global economy and world health. It put a stop to cultural exchange activities from around the world and it has affected non-profit organizations, as donor priorities have shifted towards pandemic prevention. Even dark clouds have silver linings. The downtime has given our organization the opportunity and the time to focus on our strategic planning and program development. We have also had breakthroughs in developing key relationships. Our team is growing! Many of our staff and board members are relatively new, so we will take this opportunity to provide this Statement for everyone to understand where our organization stands and what we are committed to achieving together as a team. A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO OUR ORGANIZATION 1) Here is information about our organization, at a quick glance: 2) We are an American 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2001. 3) The organization is registered in Florida and Washington State. 4) ...

On Saturday, December 28, 2019, Directors Tony Coolidge (with his family) and Gary Smoke of our organization visited Christian Mountain Childrens Home in Liouguei District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. It was a huge celebration, which combined their annual anniversary with the grand opening of their new facilities on their campus. The Coolidge family and Gary Smoke attending the December 28 celebration. They were invited by Reverend Joseph Yang, the director of Taiwan's famous orphanage, which has mostly indigenous children from different tribes in Taiwan. Reverend Yang is, himself, descended from an indigenous mother from the Atayal tribe. His mother and father founded the home for children, which is a very touching story, in itself. Aside from enjoying the festivities, the visitors introduced the Tribal Journeys Youth Exchange Program and what participation could be arranged for the Liouguei Indigenous Choir, which is an important part of the orphanage. The choir tra...