FIWNA Marks 16th Anniversary with World Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Open Mic for Caregivers

New York — The Federation of Indigenous Women of Nepal in America (FIWNA) marked its 16th Anniversary alongside the 32nd International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with a meaningful and inspiring program that also featured a special Open Mic for Caregivers session.

The event, held on August 15 at the Elmhurst Hospital Auditorium Hall, brought together Indigenous women, caregivers, community leaders, social advocates, artists, and supporters. Rather than limiting the anniversary to formal speeches, FIWNA created a space where women working in caregiving and other fields could share their voices, talents, experiences, poems, songs, stories, and personal reflections.

The first session began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest and FIWNA Life Member Suku Rumdali and FIWNA President Indira Chongbang. Following the inauguration, invited guests and community representatives offered congratulatory messages and best wishes on the occasion of FIWNA’s 16th Anniversary and the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

FIWNA Senior Vice President Indu Gurung Lamichhane welcomed all participants and guests. In her remarks, she emphasized that Indigenous identity is deeply connected to history, language, art, culture, traditions, and ancestral roots. She encouraged families and community members to ensure that younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues, cultural values, traditions, and identity wherever they may live.

President Indira Chongbang then presented an overview of FIWNA’s 16-year journey, highlighting the organization’s work in women’s empowerment, Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, leadership development, and community engagement. She shared that FIWNA currently has 35 life members and 55 general members and has also expanded its reach by establishing a chapter in Maryland.

She also highlighted FIWNA’s ongoing virtual discussion series on issues concerning Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous women. With the organization reaching its 27th virtual interaction series, she described the program as an important platform for education, advocacy, awareness, and dialogue with subject-matter experts.

President Chongbang further noted FIWNA’s collaboration with local community boards, experts, and community organizations, as well as its active participation in programs organized by FIPNA. She also mentioned the publication of the Voice of Women Journal and expressed appreciation to former leaders, members, volunteers, partners, and supporters who have contributed to FIWNA’s progress over the years.

Chief Guest Suku Rumdali congratulated FIWNA and praised President Chongbang and the entire team for their dedication and continued service. She stressed the importance of unity and cooperation, reminding participants that progress is only possible when people work together and support one another.

Rumdali also reflected on the important role women play as caregivers within families and communities. She encouraged mothers and parents to pass on language, cultural practices, festivals, and traditions to the younger generation while continuing to fulfill their responsibilities with love and dedication.

Women’s rights activist Narvada Chhetri highlighted the importance of providing women with spaces where they can speak openly, share their experiences, develop self-confidence, and connect socially. She also encouraged the participants through a musical presentation.

Several community leaders and representatives took part in the first session. Suman Thamsuhang, General Secretary of FIPNA, offered his best wishes and presented a poem focused on Indigenous women. Shambhu Rai, Senior Vice President of FIPNA and President of the Kirat Rai Society of America New York Chapter, shared a satirical poem reflecting on Indigenous awareness and identity.

Activist Purna Limbu presented the poem “Who Am I?”, describing the emotional experience of losing connection with one’s mother language and culture while growing up within a different educational environment. Indra Bahadur Tamang of the Tamang Society of America praised FIWNA’s work and extended his congratulations. Basanti Rai, President of the Nepali American Artists Association, also shared her best wishes.

Deepak Chaudhary, Founding President of Bold Action for Social Education (BASE) International and former General Secretary of FIPNA, appreciated FIWNA’s educational and empowerment initiatives and spoke about the important contributions women make to families and society.

The second part of the event, the Open Mic for Caregivers, became a lively and emotional platform for creativity and personal expression. Women who are often occupied with work, family, and caregiving responsibilities were given the opportunity to step onto the stage and reveal talents that may otherwise remain unseen.

Participants sang songs, recited poetry, shared personal stories, spoke about meditation, reflected on hardship and resilience, and encouraged one another through their lived experiences. Their presentations showed that caregiving is not only a responsibility, but also a journey filled with learning, strength, sacrifice, creativity, and personal growth.

The open mic format created an inclusive and spontaneous environment, with speakers selected through a lottery system. Machhadevi Gurung, a FIWNA Life Member and General Secretary of The Gurung (Tamu) Society, spoke about the importance of preserving one’s mother tongue as a foundation of Indigenous identity and cultural continuity.

FIWNA Life Member Abha Shrestha recited a poem, while Shanti Jirel, Vice President of the Blood Donors Association New York, shared her talent by playing the traditional Murchunga instrument.

Other participants, including social worker Binda Rai, financial advisor Shraddha Malla Thakuri, Radhika Shrestha, and others, extended their congratulations to FIWNA while emphasizing women’s rights, confidence, leadership, and empowerment.

The entire event was hosted by FIWNA Secretary Indira Rai, who also presented a powerful poem celebrating the strength of Indigenous women.

In her closing remarks, President Indira Chongbang thanked the Chief Guest, community leaders, FIWNA executive members, presenters, participants, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the success of the program. She also expressed special appreciation to Bimala Hamal of Bhanchha Ghar for her support.

The celebration reflected FIWNA’s continuing commitment to empowering Indigenous women, preserving language and culture, promoting leadership, encouraging creativity, and creating meaningful spaces where women can share their voices and experiences with confidence and pride.