Language and Culture

Cultural Survival recently attended the Global Symposium on Cultural Sustainability at the University of Leeds, where we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Sona Wangmo. Dr. Wangmo is a respected scholar whose research interests include the transformation and urbanization of rural areas in China, as well as pastoral resettlement and tourism development in Eastern Tibet. Our conversation focused on the growing intersection between tradition and modernity, particularly the increasing technological engagement among Tibetan monks. Dr.

Dr. Kikee Doma Bhutia, a distinguished scholar holding a Ph.D. in Folklore, recently participated in the Global Symposium on Cultural Sustainability hosted by the University of Leeds. During the event, we had the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful conversation with her about the young people of Sikkim, her home state in northeastern India. Drawing on her extensive academic background and deep cultural insight, Dr. Bhutia offered valuable perspectives and words of encouragement for the youth of Sikkim.

The Cultural Survival Bazaars are a series of cultural festivals, organized by Indigenous Peoples’ rights organization Cultural Survival, that provide Indigenous artists and artisans, cooperatives, and their representatives from around the world the chance to sell their work directly to the public. Come and Shop Indigenous at our Bazaar in Newburyport Massachusetts, on the 19th and 20th of July 2025, and then again at Tiverton Four Corners, on July 25th, 26th and 27th, 2025. In this podcast we hear from Annawon Weeden, who will be attending the Bazaar this year.

The Cultural Survival Bazaars are a series of cultural festivals, organized by Indigenous Peoples’ rights organization Cultural Survival, that provide Indigenous artists and artisans, cooperatives, and their representatives from around the world the chance to sell their work directly to the public.
Each event features traditional and contemporary crafts, artwork, clothing, jewelry, home goods, and accessories from dozens of countries.

Cultural Survival will be hosting their summer bazaars in Newburyport, Massachusetts on July 20th and 21st and in Tiverton, Rhode Island on July 27th and 28th.
The Cultural Survival Bazaar Program goals work to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ articles 11, 20, and 31.
In this interview we hear from Benson Riyes Kitesho, who will showcase his artwork for the first time at Cultural Survival's Bazaar in July 2024.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)
Interviewee: Benson Riyes Kitesho (Maasai)

Patrick Hunter is a Two-Spirit Ojibway artist from the community of Red Lake, in North Western Ontario. He paints in the Woodland style and has created his own company called Patrick Hunter Art & Design.
Produced by Sarah Hume (Cultural Survival Intern)
Edited by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)
Interviewee: Patrick Hunter (Ojibway)
Image: Patrich Hunter courtesy of patrickhunter.ca/
Music: "Lights in the Forest" by Yarina, used with permission.

Indigenous storytelling production company Wapanatahk Media has reached a television development deal with Anthony Johnson and Dr. James Makokis, a Two-Spirit Indigenous couple and winners of season 7 of The Amazing Race Canada.

The factual series will follow Johnson and Makokis as they pursue their mission to educate the masses about Indigenous cultural teachings, helping Canadians embark on their own transformational journeys and welcoming them into Nizhoni Acres, the couple's dream property, which they are currently renovating using the prize money from Amazing Race.

Richard Grounds, executive director of the Yuchi Language Project, talks about why working with young people and implementing more than just dictionaries or books is important to straightening out indigenous languages ​​and passing on this heritage from generation to generation. In addition, it mentions some important points of the International Indigenous Language Exchange carried out by Cultural Survival.

All our programs are free to listen to, download and share.

Kaimana Barcase, CS Board Chair, tells us about the importance of working in groups and sharing experiences to discover how other peoples work in the revitalization of indigenous languages and explore new methodologies.

All our programs are free to listen to, download and share.

Intro music:
- “Burn Your Town to the Ground” by The Halluci Nation. Copyright property of The Halluci Nation. Used with permission.

musical background:
- ÑAA YOSO ÑUU WOMAN NAHUAL Cha Nandee Pinotepa. By Mrs. Luis

Chad Valdez (Diné) is a writer currently residing in Denver, CO, and working as a bookseller. He holds a Master's degree in Fine Arts in Fiction with a minor in Native American studies from New Mexico State University where he was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. He has taught undergraduate courses in English and Creative Writing where he was able to share his love of Indigenous storytelling and understanding of epistemology. His writing has appeared in Windward Review, CBR.com among other outlets. This is Chads audio story called 'Split Decision'.