"Even the most selfish person should find compassion very, very attractive," expresses Sonam Nyatsatsang, the festival producer of Tibet Fest, with a smile. He is joined by Sontri Jorkhang, a volunteer for the festival and our youngest guest this season. They describe the Tibetan culture of compassion and what it looks like in their everyday lives. Sonam speaks to the history of Tibetan immigration to Seattle and the responsibility to be a voice for the 99% of Tibetans still living in Tibet, who do not have the freedom of expression he has, living in the United States. While, Sontri shares his passion for his culture and respect for his elders, which fuels a sense of responsibility to keep the festival thriving for future generations of Tibetans.

• Learn more about Tibet Fest: http://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal/tibetfest
• Compassion 2020 Program: https://www.wagenerals.org/compassion2020
• • 09/17/19 Update: Sontri was selected to participate in the 2020 delegation!

"I don't have trouble knowing who I am. I am Tlingit," states LaVerne Wise who describes herself as the "Director of Happiness" at Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB). LaVerne works with our second guest, Brad Angerman, the Director of Communications at SIHB. They both represent the Tlingit tribe in Southeast Alaska. LaVerne and Brad discuss personal stories about identity, contemporary representation within the Indigenous People Festival, and the importance of educating oneself on the federal census — especially how the census impacts policy, funding and the livelihood of indigenous communities around the entire nation.

• Learn more about Indigenous People Festival: http://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal/indigenous-people-festival

"We are everywhere; we're just under the radar," expresses John Morovich, board member of CroatiaFest. His mother and our second guest, Cathryn Morovich, is the festival co-producer. Together, they offer personal stories and the history of Croats in Seattle, highlighting many hidden innovations located across the city. Representing two generations and a deep family connection to the festival, John and Cathryn carry pride, passion and knowledge of Croatian culture with a mission to embody it throughout CroatiaFest.

• Learn more about CroatiaFest: http://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal/croatiafest