TAIWAN is happy to showcase its cultures and traditions to the world.
These were the worlds of the Deputy Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP), Calivat Gadu during a press conference with members of the international press group that visited Taiwan last week.
Mr Gadu said, that by organizing such tours, Taiwan is opening up itself to the world, with the opportunity for people to learn more about Taiwan’s indigenous identity.
With a total of 16 tribes of Taiwan’s indigenous aboriginals (original inhabitants) making up two percent of the island’s total population, Taiwan is committed to strengthening its indigenous ties with other countries throughout the globe.
“Taiwan itself was once colonized by Japan and China; however our indigenous people lived on through time, carrying with them their traditions and cultures despite having to resettle in various parts of the land.
“We also have similarities in our local dialects and our ways of living with countries throughout the Asia Pacific as you may have seen and experienced.
“We are truly proud of our indigenous identity and heritage and would also like to share it to the world,” Mr Gadu said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Council’s Director of Planning, Alang Manglavan who said, that having such cultural exchange programs is of uttermost importance to Taiwan’s cultural and indigenous identity.
“We are committed to keeping our culture and our indigenous people and ways of living and by knowing and learning the similarities we have with other Austronesian countries, we can achieve that,” Mr Manglavan said.
By JEREMY P. INIFIRI
