Unveiling Dumra: The CIA's Secret Tibetan Operation

See into the secret history of the CIA’s covert Tibetan Resistance Program at Camp Hale, Colorado. This special Vail Symposium program, titled "Unveiling Dumra: The CIA's Secret Tibetan Operation," promises to transport you back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, revealing a hidden narrative of espionage, resistance, and cultural resilience.

From 1958 to 1964, the CIA operated a clandestine training facility known as Dumra, or "The Garden," at Camp Hale. Here, amidst the rugged Rocky Mountains, several hundred Tibetan freedom fighters were trained by CIA officers, including the remarkable Bruce Walker, the only CIA agent fluent in Tibetan. These men, part of a citizen's army, were preparing to defend their homeland against the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Our evening will be enriched by the presence of Dr. Carole McGranahan, a leading anthropologist from the University of Colorado, who has dedicated her career to studying the Tibetan community. Alongside her will be Bruce Walker, whose firsthand accounts of training Tibetan fighters offer an unparalleled glimpse into this secretive operation. Together, they have uncovered the long-lost location of Dumra, adding a tangible connection to their historical research.

Adding depth to this narrative, Indian Tibetan filmmakers and artists Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam will share excerpts from their acclaimed documentary, "The Shadow Circus: The CIA in Tibet." Their meticulous research and poignant storytelling bring to life the struggles and sacrifices of the Tibetan resistance, as well as the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

The evening will also recognize the contributions of notable Tibetan figures, including Ken Rinpoche Losangsepe and Mr. Pima Chinjur, both members of the Chushi-Gangdrug Resistance Army. Their personal stories highlight the human element of this historical drama, illustrating the deep cultural and emotional bonds that underpinned the Tibetan fight for autonomy.

Expect an engaging mix of historical exposition, personal anecdotes, and visual storytelling. The program will navigate through areas of tension, such as the ethical and political implications of CIA involvement in Tibet, the challenges faced by the Tibetan resistance, and the broader impact of Cold War geopolitics on indigenous movements. Yet, it will do so with sensitivity, honoring the resilience and courage of those involved.