Becoming Indigenous

How difficult is it to be a “real” indigenous person? We need to have dark skin, be very good at singing, be athletic; sometimes we have to be humorous, optimistic, and also a very good drinker! But what if we don’t fit social expectations? Does that mean I’m not a “real” indigenous person?

If you think “John Doe” can be a placeholder for any type of name, think again! Indigenous naming practices are not as straightforward. Surnames do not exist in indigenous society. In fact, indigenous names usually have a unique structure that can help people identify lineage and avoid intermarrying.

In the early indigenous society, armed conflicts sometimes occur between different ethnic groups and villages. In order to protect the village and assume responsibility for public affairs in the village, indigenous peoples developed an age class system where responsibilities and obligations in the village are distributed amongst the males according to age. Boys in the village join the age class at around 10 years of age. In this organization, they receive strict cultural education and physical training......

The age class promotion ceremony takes place once every 3 years in Kiwit Village, youths that are about to be promoted from class 1 to class 2 put on a black skirt and eagle feather headdress, and circle the village to announce the news that they are about to be promoted. After 3 years of training, the boys are all strong in physique, their childish faces coupled with resolution in their eyes, eyes that sparkle with flame....

“Defend our ancestors, refuse tomb relocation!” “The land is my mother, not your ATM!” These roars and protests come from the fierce Katipul warriors. Refused relocation of the 6th public cemetery in 2010, Jhihben wetland solar power development in 2018... During every major moment at the village, Katipul Youth Association is always the first stand on the front line, following the ancient precept of “collaboration in solidarity” of palakuwan and devoted to safeguarding their homeland.

Being single is lonely, but simply dreaming for a partner and happiness and not doing anything about it is not going to change your situation. Back in the early days, indigenous societies had different customs for courtship and marriage, and some of these practices have been fully preserved to this day. Want to have an unforgettable romance? Follow the footsteps of our indigenous friends!

The traditions of a people include the thoughts, culture, systems, and ways of doing things that have been passed down from generation to generation and have intangible constraining power and impact on society. For indigenous peoples, tradition is like a piece of life-saving driftwood that connects them to their roots as they face the brutal assaults of foreign cultures. However, tradition itself is constantly oscillating between “remaining the same” and “changing with the times”.

In May 2017, the Lalauya Village in Alishan was filled with joy and happiness. Today is the big day of Tsou groom Pasuya and Non-indigenous bride Lin Ming-Yuan, and they will be wed in a traditional Tsou wedding which is rarely seen nowadays. Following the ancient customs, they wore traditional costumes and prepared pork, wine and rice cakes to throw a feast for friends and family.

Walking into any indigenous village in Taiwan, we can always catch a glimpse of church buildings and bright red crosses. Can it be that all indigenous people in Taiwan are Christians? Rituals and ceremonies play an important role in indigenous religious culture, but under the influence of outsiders, Taiwan’s indigenous people begin to follow practices of foreign religions, such as praying with incense sticks, reciting the Bible, and converting to the Christian faith. What on earth has contributed to the widespread popularity of Christianity among Taiwan’s indigenous communities?

Today’s indigenous peoples in Taiwan, when subjected to the scrutiny of society, are often troubled by their failure to conform to the superficial image portrayed by the mainstream preconception. Be it viewed outwardly from physical features or inwardly from traditional culture, Taiwan’s indigenous peoples are always met by others with intuitive prejudice. When people talk about religions, the most frequently asked question is,“ Are you a Christian?” ......

Nanzhuang Township is known as the hometown of the SaySiyat people. But almost every resident here speaks Hakka. They also follow the Hakka customs such as ... How do the SaySiyat people, who once featured an indigenous culture of revering the Nature, respecting the “ta'ay” with awe, and worshipping ancestral spirits in traditional ways, come to meet and interact with Hakka culture, and in turn change their original values of faith?

Traditional rituals are the core of indigenous Taiwan’s culture. In 2006, the government officially designated such events as national holidays. Those who are recognized as indigenous by law are eligible to take a day off during their major events. But is this one-day holiday enough to meet their needs?