From May 13 to May 17, 2024, the Indigenous Student Resource Center at Ming Chi University of Technology organized the 2024 Annual National Indigenous Cultural Education series, titled "Tóngnián MACA" Indigenous Peoples Cultural Festival. This event aimed to promote national indigenous cultural education, enhance campus understanding and respect for different ethnic groups, and create a friendly campus environment. The series included various activities such as indigenous film screenings, career sharing sessions with indigenous alumni, Paiwan floral crown DIY workshops, static exhibitions, cultural exploration activities, and dynamic traditional music and dance performances, all designed to achieve the goals of national indigenous cultural education.

The event also invited indigenous faculty and students from northern universities and colleges, as well as the entire university community, to participate. Through these activities, students from different schools had the opportunity to interact, fostering connections within indigenous student communities and creating a network for cultural exchange. This broadened students' cultural perspectives and helped them appreciate indigenous cultures and their spiritual essence from different angles.

The static exhibition and dynamic traditional music and dance performances were particularly well-received, with participation reaching 160 attendees. The theme of the static exhibition was "The Road Home," documenting the students' learning journey about Paiwan culture since 2023. The exhibition included insights from cultural immersion trips and field research, presented through thematic displays.

The exhibition featured four main themes:

Basic Understanding of Paiwan Culture: This section offered an in-depth introduction to Paiwan architecture, traditional cuisine, handicrafts, music, dance, and social hierarchy, providing a comprehensive view of their cultural characteristics and lifestyle.

Paiwan Forest Wisdom and Migration Patterns: This theme highlighted the Paiwan people's wisdom in forest living and their migration history, emphasizing the impact of the natural environment on their survival and culture.

Paiwan Beliefs, Rituals, and Mediumship: This section explored Paiwan religious beliefs, rituals, and mediumship, revealing the profound influence of their spiritual world and traditional faith on their daily life.

Paiwan Wedding Traditions (Northern and Central Paiwan): This theme showcased the rich diversity of Paiwan wedding customs, particularly highlighting the differences and unique aspects of weddings in the northern and central regions.

The exhibition not only displayed the students' hard work but also included interactive activities, allowing visitors to engage with and learn about Paiwan culture hands-on. Professional guides were available to provide detailed explanations, ensuring visitors had a rich and educational experience. The diverse presentation methods and content aimed to deepen participants' understanding and respect for indigenous cultures, promoting cultural heritage and exchange.

The dynamic traditional music and dance performances were the highlight of the cultural festival. Beginning last year, the university engaged in cultural learning within the Sandimen, Anpo, Wanjia, and Nanhe communities of Laiyi Township, focusing on the wedding customs of the central Paiwan culture. The performances recreated traditional Paiwan wedding ceremonies on campus, including collective courting, dowry arrangements, and circle dances, providing guests and audiences with an immersive cultural experience. The attention to detail in the performances allowed participants to appreciate the intricacies and cultural significance of each ritual.

Towards the end of the performances, three students shared their personal experiences and reflections from this cultural journey, deepening the audience's appreciation for the value and richness of Paiwan culture. This cultural festival not only enriched participants' understanding of Paiwan wedding traditions but also fostered greater respect for indigenous cultures.

Looking ahead, the Indigenous Student Resource Center plans to continue promoting indigenous cultural activities, dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of indigenous cultures. This commitment aims to provide indigenous students with a better learning environment and opportunities for future development.

Source: Office of Student Affairs