On Nov 19th 2009, a group of NWTCA parents and children drove down to the University of Oregon to participate in the Geography week.

There were kids from middle schools in the area visiting, and we were able to educate them about the geography and culture of Tibet.

The day began with Choetso Gyalnub talking about the unique geography of the Tibetan Plateau. This was followed by our kids performing a sampling of Tibetan songs and dances, to showcase the culture of Tibet. In keeping with our tradition, ‘khatags’ were offered to all the participants. The festivities ended with the traditional circle dance where all the visitors were encouraged to participate.

Our kids were then given a tour of the University. We were taken to the Map library and the Infographics Lab of the Geography Department. The kids also went on a ‘scavenger hunt’ around the university campus, using GPS units. It was a fun and educational experience for all of us, and we would like to extend our thanks to Tom Ptak and Professor Susan Hardwick for inviting us to participate.

Pictures coming soon...

NWTCA requests everyone to help replenish Portland/Vancouver emergency food banks.

A survey by the Central Tibetan Administration to determine the level of interest for a public awareness campaign on the Middle-Way Approach. 

Click here to view the announcement and survey in PDF.

Our friend Tom Ptak from the University of Oregon will meet us for another grant writing session. Please feel free to join us, if interested.

Are you considering a professional degree or career?

Do you have an interest in expanding your existing relationships within the Tibetan community?

Are you a student seeking a role model or mentor?

Are you seeking opportunities to pursue professional development and networking opportunities with fellow Tibetans?

Do you think you are capable of being a role model for Tibetan youth with educational and professional aspirations?

A new organization called Global Tibetan Professionals Network (GTPN) is quickly growing across North America.  After events in Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, New York, and Toronto, it is now our turn to learn about this group and the possibility of starting a local chapter in Portland. Please join in on this upcoming "Meet & Greet" event in Portland.  The President and Co-Founder of the organization, Dr. Tshering Amdo, would like to meet with the Portland Tibetan Community about the mission, goals, and potential of GTPN internationally and right here in Portland.

Global Tibetan Professionals Network - North America

Portland Meet & Greet

Friday, Sept. 18th, 2009 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm

NWTCA Bhodkhang

Light refreshments will be served

Tibetans working in any field, students, parents of students, and even those who are considering transitioning into other fields that could find a Tibetan networking group potentially beneficial are encouraged to attend.

If you would like to learn more about the organization, please visit its website (www.gtpnus.org) or view its group page on Facebook (www.facebook.com) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com).

Dewachen is closer than you think.

Sukhavati Sadhana or Dechen Shingdrup (bde chen zhing 'drub) at Bhodkhang for five days from September 9 to 13, 8:00AM - 5:00PM. Breakfast and lunch provided.

Please contact Tseten Wangchuk la if you want to sponsor breakfast ($50) and lunch ($100).

Click here to learn about the origin and benefits of Sukhavati Sadhana.



Click here to download the flyer.

The Rowell Fund for Tibet begins its seventh year of accepting applications for funding from September 1 - 30, 2009. Applications are now available online at ICT’s website. The Fund is seeking to support Tibetans who can make a significant contribution to their community and/or an international audience in the fields of visual arts and media, and environmental and women's rights. Acceptable project categories are photography, humanitarian projects, journalism/literature, women's issues and environmental awareness.

The Rowell Fund for Tibet was initiated in memory of late Galen and Barbara Rowell, who were longtime friends of Tibet. Galen and Barbara cooperated with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to produce My Tibet, a touching book that captured the natural essence of Tibet. Their love and passion for photography and writing introduced the beauty of Tibet and its threatened ecosystem and culture to countless people around the globe. Following their tragic passing, ICT's Board of Directors, family and friends of the Rowell's established the Rowell Fund to honor and perpetuate the goals and ideals of Galen and Barbara in the Tibetan community.

This year's funding was raised in conjunction with the Rowell Fund Board of Advisors. A group of famous mountaineers, ICT staff and ICT members and supporters climbed the Grand Tetons and raised more than $20,000 to be granted this fall. Climbers included Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, Dave Breashears, John Ackerly, Todd Stein, Melissa Georges, Richard and Patty Minter, Stephen Lawson, Roger Gilchrist, and Kim Kaston.

Interested applicants should send in their applications from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, 2009. Applications can be sent via email: rowellfund@savetibet.org) or by post at:

Rowell Fund for Tibet
International Campaign for Tibet
1825 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

Received applications will be confirmed by the ICT staff, compiled, and sent to the Advisory Board of the Rowell Fund for Tibet in late October. Grantees will be notified in early December and the funds will be distributed in mid-December. Grantees are required to send in a mid-year report by June of the following year, and a final report on the results of the project and how the funds were spent by Dec.1 of the following year.

Click here to learn more and to download the application form.

Venerable Sharpa Chojay Rinpoche will give Lama Choepay Loong and White Tara Initiation at Bhodkhang during his Portland visit. Sharpa Choejay Rinpoche is a foremost master of Buddhist contemplative theory and practice, and is currently second in line to the Ganden Tripa throne. He received the Geshe Lharam degree in 1982. He was then appointed Deputy Abbot and then Abbot of Gyuto Tantric College by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After completing his tenure as Abbot, he was appointed as Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama in 2003. Rinpoche now resides at Drepung Loseling Monastery, where he teaches and participates actively in the education  and training of monks training for the Geshe degree.

Where :Bhod Khang, 6225 Ne Stanton St, Portland, Or 97213
Day/Date: Sunday, August 2nd 2009
Time: 10:30am to 1:00pm
Lunch: 1:30pm


"White Tara (Jetsun Dokar in Tibetan) is the embodiment of all Buddhas' compassionate activities. She is also known as Female Liberator which indicates that her swiftness of compassionate activities. Tara is also known for her greatness of longevity, removing obstacles, and protection from any kinds of fears."

The Office of Tibet is organizing an Intensive Four-Day Workshop from August 20-23, 2009, to be held at the Tibet Center in Brooklyn. This Workshop is geared for university and high school students from the different Himalayan regions currently living in the New York and New Jersey area.

The workshop instructors include Professor Robert Thurman, the pre-eminent American Buddhist scholar, and Professor and Geshe Thupten Jinpa, His Holiness's principal translator. The main lecturer for the four day series will be Professor Thupten Jinpa.

Seating is currently limited to 30 Tibetan students or recent graduates on a first come first serve basis. Students are encouraged to sign up asap.

All participants are required to bring/send the Registration Form to the Office of Tibet with a $50 registration fee. The check should be made out to Tibet Fund.