Summit Virginia, USA, June 5th- June 9th 2008

"Ancient History: Promising Future", a focus on developing a promising future for indigenous youth.

Forty-four teenagers speaking a total of 22 languages descended upon Harrisonburg, VA/USA during the extremely hot days of June 2008.  The focus of the summit was indigenous people. The youth was introduced to the native American culture, experienced the beautiful customs and learned about the traditions and the differences between the cultures.

In their individual groups the participants dealt with the challenges of defining the future of the indigenous people, their needs and how they best could define the options they saw into practical projects. Interesting discussions took place, negotiations took place, a play was developed, the environment was discussed and potential solutions were turned into projects.

The very interesting World Café and its presenters: 3 gentlemen from Asia and Africa who participated at the summer Peace Building Institute at the Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA, as well as 2 local businessmen. Each and every teenagers listened with great attention and asked many questions, all involving the execution of the projects they were working on.

At the end of the long and hot three days the following presentations were made:

• DVD was filmed: “Avoiding violence in a multicultural setting”
• DVD: Bridging differences
• Recycling program
• DVD: Culture has different meanings
• Video: "Ancient History, Promising Future"