The Western Australian Museum - Albany will host a public fundraiser for Northern Thailand’s little-known Lahu hill tribe on Friday 27 September from 5.30pm.
WA Museum regional manager Rachael Wilsher-Saa said the ‘Insight Lahu’ event aims to raise the profile of the Lahu and other hill tribe people and the contemporary issues faced by their people and traditional culture.
“Originating from Tibet, the Lahu people moved to the hill regions of Thailand as refugees many years ago,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.
“With few resources, the health and well-being of the hill tribe adults and children - many of whom are orphans living without adequate nutrition and amenities - has become a major issue.”
Funds from the event will go towards the Borderless Friendship Foundation, a not-for-profit group at the forefront of assisting the tribes, building much-needed infrastructure and promoting community development through sustainable agricultural practices.
“We’re incredibly privileged to welcome BFF president and respected Lahu hill tribe member Mr Pramote Eua-amnuay as the guest speaker for the evening to share his personal cultural knowledge as a Lahu man and the work of the Foundation,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.
Also benefiting from the fundraiser is the local arm of BFF - Borderless Friendship WA (BFWA) - initiated by Curtin University educator Dr Lorel Mayberry.
Over the last financial year, BFWA has assisted with the installation of water tanks, a new water-proof girl’s dorm, a library in Kaenoi, the provision of fire blankets for the boys and girls hostels, a new vehicle for the BFF co-ordinator and new hostels in Prao.
“The BFWA volunteers regularly travel to Thailand to help set up self-sustaining agricultural-based infrastructure such as a mushroom growing shed, organic vegetable garden and chicken farm to help the tribes both now and in the future,” Dr Mayberry said.
“Lack of education has forced many young hill tribe people to the cities where they are vulnerable to exploitation, so I am thrilled the WA Museum - Albany is hosting this event to help us continue to support them.”
For bookings and enquiries, contact the WA Museum - Albany on 9841 4844 or albany@museum.wa.gov.au . Tickets are $10, with snacks and refreshments provided.
WA Museum - Albany contact:
Mandy Arnold
9841 4844
Mandy.Arnold@museum.wa.gov.au
