Indigenous Taiwan: Traditional Knowledge Navigating Modernity

Making up less than two percent of Taiwan’s total population, Taiwan’s 16 recognized indigenous tribes daily navigate the pressures of modernity while maintaining their traditional cultures and traditions. Contemporary indigenous people must make a living, maintain their language and culture within the dominant Han culture, and deal with the negative impacts of mass tourism and environmental degradation. Despite these challenges, many communities retain strong cultural practices tied to their traditional knowledge, customs, and beliefs. In addition, indigenous pride and self-determination has blossomed in the last 20 years with even Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, proudly noting her Paiwan heritage.

The speaker recently spent 3 months living in several indigenous communities learning about their traditional cultures and the modern pressures confronting these tribes. Join us to learn more about the Daowu, Paiwan, Rukai and Atayal tribes and the significance of Taiwan’s indigenous communities in Taiwan’s history and culture.

Speaker

Organizers