22-24 November 2002

Bryant Hall, University of Waikato Hamilton, New Zealand

This conference was organized in collaboration with the School for Maori & Pacific Development University of Waikato Hamilton, New Zealand (AOTEAROA). Papers were presented in the following categories: Indigenous Culture Scenario, Inventory of Indigenous Cultures of the world, Value Systems and Traditions of Indigenous Cultures, Sources of Threat to Indigenous Cultures, Globalization and Cultural Dimensions, New Institutions for Cultural Cooperation, Multi Religion Cultural Ethos: Conflicts and Cooperation, Cultural Conflicts and Tolerance, Recent Experiences and Lessons, Cultural Cadets International-CCI.

4-9 February 2003

Mumbai, India
This conference was organized by World Council of Elders of Ancient Traditions and Cultures (WCEAT), a non-political, non-religious, non-profit Socio cultural forum of ICCS Inc., in association with Vishwa Adhyayan Kendra, Mumbai; Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini International and SNDT Womens’ University, Mumbai. Representatives of indigenous cultures had come from Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Latin America, USA, Canada, Austria, Mauritius, Ecuador, Zambia, Lithuania, and Trinidad & Tobago. During the five day conference about 148 papers were presented on wide ranging themes like the Concept and Role of Elders in Ancient Traditions, Introducing Ancient Traditions and Cultures, Threat to the Ancient Tradition from Various Sources, Revival of Ancient Traditions – various experiments, and Spirituality – Metaphysics and Ancient Traditions. A resolution was unanimously passed (“Mumbai Manifesto”) and signed by 184 delegates representing different global traditions and cultures. The preamble to the manifesto says, “At the start of the New Millennium, humanity stands at
critical crossroads of history. In the midst of tremendous strides in scientific and technological progress and material comforts, there is an urgent need for spiritual and moral resurgence for ensuring the well-being of the human family, for preserving the larger living world and for strengthening the foundations of durable universal peace… …all human beings are born equal and have equal rights to live peacefully on Mother Earth and, peace and prosperity, at global level, can be realized only when the conflicts within and between the communities vanish and we develop the spirit of tolerance”. The signatories consider themselves an integral part of the Divine Creation and relate to each other as Children of the Mother Earth. The Mumbai Manifesto lays emphasis on reducing all forms of
exploitation that have continued in the name of race, religion and economy.

The 1^st conference in the series of understanding Ancient Traditions and Cultures of the World 11-12 October, 2003

Atlantic City, USA
The conference was organized in collaboration with the World Congress of Ethnic Religions (WCER), Lithuania. The conference brought together eminent scholars belonging to Indian and Romuvan tradition from Lithuania, Latvia, Mexico, North America and India. The conference focused on the following topics: threat to Lithuanian culture in the West; Hindu dharma and its universality; Yoruba traditions; science of dharma; religion Vs dharma; revival of religion in native American; Sikh traditions; syncretism; medicine and spirituality; influence of Hindu culture on rebirth of Lithuanian culture.

The 2^nd conference in the series of understanding Ancient Traditions and Cultures of the World 26-28 March, 2004

Washington, D.C., USA
The conference was organized in collaboration with The African Traditional Spiritual Coalition, Washington DC. The African Traditional Spiritual Coalition of Washington, DC is a non-profit member organization comprised of 14 Spiritual Houses whose practices are deeply rooted in the Akan, Kamitic, Vodoun and Yoruba Traditions. Themes of the conference were: History and Common roots of Indigenous Peoples; Philosophy and theology of indigenous traditions: similarities and peculiarities; The effects of migration on indigenous peoples; Preserving traditions in changing world; spirituality in the Ancient traditions of the world.

The 3^th conference in the series of understanding Ancient Traditions and Cultures of the World 24 July 2004

Pineridge, South Dakota, USA
This conference as a whole provided a great opportunity for Hindu and Lakota communities to explore
the richness of both the ancient cultures. Click here to see the report.

The 4^th conference in the series of understanding Ancient Traditions and Cultures of the World 17-19 September 2004

Rochester, NY, USA
This conference will be organized in collaboration with Native American Cultural center, Rochester and Tree of Peace Society with the theme “Haudenosaunee- Hindu Cultures”. Haudenosaunee is a general term used to refer to the Six Nations of Native American people, who are Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk and Tuscarora. Haudenosaunee means “People building an extended house or also referred as “People of the Long House”. The topics to be discussed are Haudenosaunee-Hindu history and common roots; philosophy, theology, traditions, similarities and peculiarities; life of society and traditions in the present scenario; Preserving our great culture and
traditions in changing world.

The 5^th conference in the series of understanding Ancient Traditions and Cultures of the World April 30-May 1, 2005

Club House, East Brooke Town-homes, Brighton, Rochester, NY, 14618, USA
This conference aimed to bring together people from many traditional backgrounds to explore ancient traditions that predate the “Christian era” and their application in today’s society. This conference provided an interactive platform for sharing information through word of mouth and hands-on workshops between participants and audience members. Click here to see the report.

The 6^th conference in the series of understanding Ancient Traditions and Cultures of the World May 29-30, 2005

Maya Village Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Hindu and the Maya traditions and cultures are one of the ancient in the world. The conference and workshop looked at the similarities in these cultures and traditions as well as workshops were conducted on ceremonies of these traditions. This conference was conducted in collaboration with Council of Elders of the Sacred Mayas, Guatemala, which is a council of more than 440 Elders of the Maya Traditions and cultures belonging to 23 different ethnic Sacred Maya Groups. Click here to see the report.

The 7^th conference in the series of understanding Ancient Traditions and Cultures of the World 17-18 September, 2005

Atlanta, GA, USA
This conference explored ancient cultural traditions and how they impact the institution of family in antiquity and modern times. Family is the foundation of human civilization. The weight of human society rests on the family. To shoulder this weight and fulfill its societal obligations, the family must adopt methods that strengthen and unify its ranks. The challenge has never been greater than today.