Setting a shining example in ethnic minority areas of Quang Ninh province: Those who "ignite the flame" in their villages (Part 2)

The conference was held to listen to the thoughts and aspirations of influential figures among ethnic minority communities in Quang Ninh province.

"Passing on the torch" of national culture

Accordingly, through concrete actions and deeds, along with outstanding ethnic minority artisans, the team of influential figures in Quang Ninh province are shining examples in actively mobilizing and educating their descendants and communities to participate in protecting and promoting ethnic cultural values; encouraging people to build a new way of life, build culturally advanced families and villages; preserving and promoting good customs and traditions, eliminating outdated practices, especially in the wedding and funeral ceremonies of ethnic groups.

Typical examples include respected individuals like Ninh A Cun and Dang Van Thanh from Dai Duc commune (Tien Yen district), and respected individuals like Ly Van Ut and Dang Thanh Luong from Bang Ca commune (Ha Long City).

Ninh A Cun (second from the left), a respected figure in Khe Luc village, Dai Duc commune, Tien Yen district, is reenacting the San Chi people's harvest prayer ceremony.

As the Party Secretary, village head, and respected figure of Khe Ngan village, Dai Duc commune, Mr. Dang Van Thanh is actively mobilizing people to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the San Chi people in conjunction with community tourism development. This contributes to achieving the goal of building Dai Duc commune into a center of ethnic culture rich in unique characteristics. He also collaborates with the Fatherland Front and other commune organizations to establish 7 clubs for preserving and maintaining ethnic culture, 1 Soong Co singing club, and opens Soong Co classes for students…

"I sincerely hope that the leaders at all levels will continue to pay attention to and direct the preservation and promotion of the San Chi ethnic culture in conjunction with economic development and improving the quality of spiritual life for the people of Dai Duc commune in particular, and Tien Yen district in general," Mr. Thanh shared.

In fact, for many years, the team of respected individuals has always been at the forefront of preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values ​​of ethnic groups such as: the coming-of-age ceremony of the Dao people; the Soóng Cọ festival of the Sán Chỉ people in Bình Liêu; the cultural and sports associations of ethnic minorities in Tiên Yên, Bình Liêu, Ba Chẽ, and Đầm Hà districts; collecting and preserving traditional costumes and Soọng Cô melodies of the Sán Dìu people;…

A "bridge" to bring legal knowledge to the local people.

Ngan Vang Duoi village, Dong Tam commune (Binh Lieu district) has 44 households, mainly Tay and San Chi ethnic minorities. The village currently manages 150 hectares of forest land, and to date, it has basically covered all the barren hills. For more than 10 years, respected villager Be Sinh Nghiep has successfully mediated and resolved many disputes and encroachments on forest land by households in the area.

He regularly collaborated with the authorities to disseminate regulations on forest management, protection, exploitation, and production using various methods to raise awareness among local people. Each year, he conducted thematic awareness campaigns on forest planting and protection 3 to 4 times; or integrated these into village meetings, reaching approximately 300 attendees…

Appreciating the contributions of respected figure Bế Sinh Nghiệp to local development, Mr. Nông Văn Sơn, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Đồng Tâm commune, said: “Mr. Bế Sinh Nghiệp was also a pioneer, mobilizing his family and fellow villagers in planting and developing forests. He also established a cooperative for planting anise with several households to build an operating fund for the village. He is a respected figure in resolving minor disputes among the people, from calling, meeting, understanding, and persuading people to reconcile and build solidarity within families and villages.”

Be Sinh Nghiep, a respected figure in Ngan Vang Duoi village, Dong Tam commune (Binh Lieu district), shared with a reporter from the Ethnic and Development newspaper about coordinating efforts to resolve disputes and encroachments on forest land by local households.

Bac Son is a mountainous border commune of Mong Cai city, with over 22 km of border and 13 border markers. It is also an area with many potential problems such as smuggling, illegal immigration, and human trafficking. With the belief that protecting the border and border markers is also protecting the land of his ancestors, Mr. Dang The Minh, a Dao ethnic minority and respected figure in Than Phun village, is intimately familiar with every trail and path in the area. For many years, he has diligently worked to raise awareness about the significance of the border, border lines, and border markers; and encouraged people to report to local authorities when visiting relatives or people in China.

"In the past, there were also individuals who illegally crossed the border without permission. But now, through public awareness campaigns, people have understood and grasped the legal regulations, and have therefore strictly complied with them," Mr. Minh added.

Not only do they contribute to mediating and resolving conflicts and disputes at the local level, but the team of influential individuals also reflects and contributes the opinions and aspirations of the people to the competent authorities, helping to reduce grievances and negative issues, and further strengthen the people's trust in the Party committee and government.

In 2024 alone, influential individuals in the province contributed over 200 opinions and suggestions to local Party committees and authorities to address shortcomings and deficiencies in policy implementation, especially policies on compensation for land clearance and resettlement, land acquisition, land and forest allocation, and support for crops and livestock.

In a discussion with Mr. Luc Thanh Chung, Head of the Ethnic Affairs Committee of Quang Ninh province, it was learned that in 2024, the entire province had 391 influential individuals. To build a team of influential individuals in ethnic minority areas, the Provincial Ethnic Affairs Committee proactively coordinated with relevant departments, agencies, and local People's Committees to promptly implement policies and regulations for this group. At the same time, the Provincial Ethnic Affairs Committee also advised the Provincial People's Committee to recognize the list of 7 influential individuals honored at the second "Support for Villages" program in 2024.

Setting a shining example in ethnic minority areas of Quang Ninh province: Stories of those who "paved the way" (Part 1)

Source: https://baodantoc.vn/neu-guong-sang-o-vung-dong-bao-dtts-tinh-quang-ninh-nhung-nguoi-truyen-lua-o-ban-lang-bai-2-1734014201645.htm