InterTribalYouth.org and The BRIDGE International (OneWorldBridge.org) invite all to attend our first Panama PowWow and International Gathering at the traditional meeting place and land bridge of Turtle Island: Panama, Central America.

Panama is a traditional (pre-Colombian) and modern meeting place to unite people of the continent and the world. The goal of the Powwow and Gathering is to build an event and production in Panama that will unite people and provide a positive venue for Indigenous Culture and to re-view topics such as: health, environmental sustainability, tourism, and global unity.

Powwow Gathering Four-Day Agenda: (For those Traveling Internationally)
Suggested:
Arrival Date - Thursday
Departure Date - Monday
(Extended days/nights after the 7th may be arranged below)

Day 1: Thursday
Arrival, Greetings in Panama City at The City of Knowledge Campus
International Powwow guests, dancers/performers will be met by our staff at Tocumen (PTY) International Airport and diplomatically transported to the proposed Powwow site at The City of Knowledge (Ciudad del Saber) adjacent to the Panama Canal on the ex-U.S. Military Base of Fort Clayton. The campus is surrounded by a metropolitan National Park and rainforest. On campus, pre-registered dancers/guests will receive “villa” style three bedroom houses with full kitchen, living room, private bath, cable-tv, wireless internet, carport and access to full business office. Each room has two single beds. In the event the priority “villa” style housing fills, lodging will be provided at adjacent hi-standard hotels. More on the City of Knowledge: www.CiudaddelSaber.org .

Day 2: Friday
Cultural Educational Sessions and International Panels. Panama Canal Tour
After a group breakfast, we gather for formal introductions and a welcome by Panama’s tribal leaders and national dignitaries. We will briefly present the vision outline of Panama Powwow and International Gathering. The majority of the day we will formally host various roundtable and panel-style discussions and presentations on the subjects of culture, health, environmental sustainability, tourism and global unity. (Speakers/Presenters TBA soon). These formal/informal talks allow for participants to hear and share with international cultural leaders and medicine people who carry oral tradition and prayers for Mother Earth and her children.

During our lunch break, Panama’s tribal groups welcome us with dance and music. We finish the day’s formal cultural educational sessions agenda by 3 pm. That afternoon we will spend on touring the Panama Canal and nearby rainforests. Evening socials will be informally coordinated. Mini-Van City Tour or Rumba “Fiesta” Bus City Tour will be provided.

Day 3, 4; Saturday, Sunday
Powwow and International Gathering
Powwow is not traditionally practiced in Panama or the south, yet for the last century through out North America, Powwow time is the best known Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones. Powwow Panama and International Gathering will be a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich Indigenous heritage. Incorporating Indigenous dances of Central and South America, Panama’s Powwow and International Gathering aims to provide a diverse, inter-continental flexible format. A wide, colorful, grand display open to the public.

NOTE: The “Powwow Format” we will be tailored as an open, inter-continental style-format. We will allow flexibility, equity and the opportunity to showcase diverse dancers who may be unfamiliar with a powwow or international gathering. Our aim is to provide a venue for all to show, dance, sing, and have a great time. It is also important to note the importance of the cultural exchange between North America’s and South America’s dancers which will provide great inspirational interchange, so they me return to their villages with re-new-ed sense of pride and unity. Most local Indigenous groups have never seen such a grand display and showcase. We give thanks for all our relations and the shared intention for us to gather.

Day 5, Monday
Departure
Exchange hugs, info, and cultural “see-you laters”. Morning Panama Canal/City Tours upon Request. Transportation Provided to Panama’s Tocumen (PTY) Airport.

5 Day Package of Services Offered to International Dancers, Guests, Visitors:
For those planning to attend the Powwow for the 5-day above agenda and who choose to book a package of services allowing a “worry-free” experience, InterTribal Youth and The BRIDGE international have coordinated the following:

• Pick-up at Panama’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
• Accommodations, 4 nights, Double Occupancy at Powwow Site
• RSVP for Cultural & Educational Sessions
• Three Group Meals
• Three “Inter-Continental” Group Breakfasts
• Panama Canal Tour and Museum Admission
• Panama City Tour OR Special “Rumba Fiesta Bus” City Tour (optional)
• Drop-off at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Package Price: (* not included is Airfare Round-trip Ticket to Panama)
• Youth, under 18/Students/Elders, over 55/Powwow Dancers: $425.00 USD
• Guests, Visitors, Others: $480.00 USD

Above Packages offered by ITY and The BRIDGE are limited and will be provided/reserved on a first come, first serve bases. The above are services organized by ITY and BRIDGE-Panama to affordably assist those traveling from abroad with plans to participate in the Powwow Gathering and Cultural Education Sessions.
*One does not need to purchase a package to attend the Powwow. Powwow attendance is free to the public.

* Package Price does not include Airfare Round-trip Ticket to Panama’s Tocumen Airport (PTY). This may be coordinated through travel site or agency of your choice. RT Tickets average $400-$600 from major airports.

Dancers/Cultural Leaders/Students: To assist in ones own request to your tribe/community in support of attending.
Formal dancer invitations, letters of support, and invitations are provided by IntertribalYouth.org.
All travel-education may be tax-deductible, provided our 501c3 Non-Profit educational status.


EXTENED DAYS OPTION: 4 Night/3 Days:

Cost: Youth/Elders/Dancers/Guests: $350.00usd. Includes Accommodation, Two meals a day, Local Tour Guides, all transportation, boat rides. Agenda: Coordinated and arranged by InterTribalYouth and the BRIDGE.

Day 1: Embera, “the Healing People”, Botanical Tour and visit to the Embera Village of Bayano:
We take a guided walking tour into the rainforest medicine cabinet. Botanical Embera healers show us the bounty to cure all earth’s children. Life-saving plants and herbs continue to save lives. One of the most important walks one may take in life. We are hosted by Embera Village proudly demonstrating their vision on sustainable tourism project. Traditional Dance, Artwork, and Language teach of the original people. The Embera cultural land base (aka “Choco”) is one of the largest in the Americas, stretching across Panama, Colombia, and into north Ecuador.

Day 2: Kuna Yala, Sudup Area, Porvenir, The Sovereign Nation of Kuna Yala
After breakfast, we forward to the heights of the cloud forests, and over the Continental Divide, overlooking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at the same time. There is a higher sense of knowledge. We gain access by a lone guard shack high in the hills. We cross into the completely sovereign land of the Kuna Yala. A nation of nations, the Kuna hold it down. Old school, new school.
At the lookout, one views the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans at the same time. Expansive national parks, Native Reserves (Comarcas), hundreds of white and Caribbean Islands - land, grand and green.

Day 3: Cerro Azul and Chagres National Park:
Waterfalls, monkeys, toucans, and eagles lead in peace and harmony. Pure life. Panama’s largest nation of Ngobe Bugle live throughout the mountains. Hours, often days, by foot, the Ngobe Bugle people remain the evidence of a nation under siege, surviving with the knowledge and will to remain guardians of Mother Earth’s precious natural resources. Botanical and full healing continues as each are provided to share our practices and knowledge. In a private retreat-like setting, nature cradles our being with hymns of birds and running waters. More on Cerro Azul - www.TheTreeHouseCerroAzul.com

Day 4: Departure:
We exchange our greetings and travel well. Diplomatic private transport to the Airport is provided. See us in Panama!

Things to Consider:

• Above Packages offered by ITY and The BRIDGE are limited and will be provided/reserved on a first come, first serve bases. One does not need to purchase a package to attend the Powwow. Powwow attendance is free to the public. The above are services organized by ITY and BRIDGE-Panama to affordably assist those traveling from abroad.

Dancers/Cultural Leaders/Students: To assist in ones own request to your tribe/community in support of attending, Formal dancer invitations, letters of support, and invitations are provided by IntertribalYouth.org.

• Above Packages offered by ITY and The BRIDGE are limited and will be provided/reserved on a first come, first serve bases. One does not need to purchase a package to attend the Powwow. Powwow attendance is free to the public. The above are services organized by ITY and BRIDGE-Panama to affordably assist those traveling from abroad.

• Powwow Exclusive: ITY Resident Trainer: Jerome Gross plans to lead Yoga and body healing class for all ITY Alumni and Guests.

More things:

• Panama named “safest country” and “top retirement destination” for more than 12 years. Named a UNESCO world heritage site. It is tropical with cool mountains. Average climate between 65 F and 85 F.

• Panama provides complete health insurance free of charge to all tourists visiting 30 days or less. Also excellent, low-cost dental and medical facilities.
See http://www.panamamedicaltourism.com

• U.S Dollar Monetary Exchange, world-trade and modernity co-exist with protected virgin jungles and beaches.

• One may order U.S. Passports (and in other countries’) and receive via mail within 2-weeks to a month, respectively.

• 6 hour flight from LAX, NYC. 3 hours from Houston, Miami, Atlanta.

• Book Early! Check our partner Copa Airlines for discounts on departures from major airports.