It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the launch of the Lao Heritage Foundation.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Bounchanh Mouangkham, and I am the chair of the Advisory Board of the Lao Heritage Foundation.

Let me share with you what an exciting journey it has been these past several months. It all started with a rising interest amongst the younger Lao generation in knowing more about Laos, the land of our ancestors, particularly in understanding our culture. Though it is a wonderful self-awareness, with it also came the realization that much of our precious traditions are in dire need of preservation. Because Lao customs are rooted in oral traditions, there is an urgent need to record these important practices from our elders so that they could be passed on to generations to come.

Beginning with a shared vision, a small group of individuals came together to form the Lao Heritage Foundation, with the hopes and dreams that it will be a pioneer in promoting the knowledge of Lao culture and in preserving Lao visual and performing arts, and crafts. It has been wonderful to witness the commitment of this small core group to build a bridge so that knowledge and information could be exchanged and shared.

At this point, I would like to introduce you to two important individuals: the first one has been instrumental in bringing our vision closer to reality; the second has been the inspiration behind it all. So, first let’s welcome Niphasone Souphom, president of the Lao Heritage Foundation who will share with you the mission and motivation behind the work of the Lao Heritage Foundation.

Bounchanh Mouangkham
Lao Heritage Foundation
Washington, D.C. June 2005