The Karen History and Culture Preservation Society, a non-profit, non-political organisation, was formed in 2001 to research, preserve, and promote the history and culture of the ethnic Karens of Burma. The society is currently responsible for publishing a journal, ‘Karen Heritage’, which is distributed throughout Burma and camps in Thailand, maintaining a on-line museum and implementing an oral history and tradition project; ‘Karen Voices’ which has been documenting the oral testimony and legends of Karen people throughout the border areas and in refugee camps in Thailand. The society is also responsible for the research, translation and dissemination, in Pwo and S’gaw Karen, Burmese and English, of a number of historical and cultural texts and materials.
The Society is actively involved in the Karen community working closely with both the Karens in exile in Thailand, those currently residing in resistance controlled areas, and those areas under the current military government and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army. The society is involved in providing ongoing training workshops in the fields of Oral testimony collection and preservation and also in general computer skills and multi-media.
In addition, the Society also maintains an archive which currently holds over 300 books, newspaper clippings, magazines, documents, and VCDs relating to the Karens and Burma in general. Materials are available in S’gaw Karen, Pwo Karen, Burmese, Thai, and English. The centre also has its own media section which is responsible for video documentation and production and also provides training and advice to the local community.
The Karen History and Culture Preservation Society has previously been funded by the by the OSI Development Foundation, whilst ZOA/KED have supported the first two issues of Karen Heritage. The society is currently unfunded and any donation either of materials or money are greatly appreciated (for further details please email us).
Aims and Objectives
- To continue our work in the Research, Preservation and Promotion of Karen History and Culture.
- To write articles for, and produce ‘Karen Heritage Magazine’.
- To maintain the on-line museum.
- To continue the ‘Karen Voices’ oral history and testimony project.
- To write and prepare training materials in Karen languages.
- To deliver oral history training to all parts of the community.
- To maintain a resource centre, to obtain materials, and to provide education regarding the ethnic Karen people of Burma.
- To translate and publish materials relating to the history and culture of the Karens.
- To obtain reference materials from the British library, Burmese Government and other sources to be made available to the Karens and the local community.
- To research, write and publish materials on the Karens.
- To organize field trips to obtain and document the lives and history of the Karens in Burma.
- To promote ethnic reconciliation through the promotion of a common culture between different Karen factions both in Burma and in Thailand.
- To organize and support a number of Cultural activities promoting Karen dance, art and poetry.
- To work with other ethnic nationalities, Burmese groups, and other asian history and culture organisations.
Image: Trainees in Karen State receive oral history and video interviewing techniques - KHCPS
