Students Connect with Amis Community in Cross-Cultural Trip to Taitung
A group of NTNU students recently traveled to the indigenous Amis village of Dulan in Taitung, Taiwan, to take part in a cultural exchange focused on sustainability and community development. Led by Professor Yi-De Liu, Director of the Office of International Affairs, the trip brought together 30 local and international students from Malaysia, Myanmar, Colombia, Taiwan, and other countries. Through workshops, site visits, and shared experiences with the Amis community, students gained insight into how indigenous traditions and sustainable practices intersect in daily life.
Cultural Landscape: Sustainability Through Historical Context
The name Dulan comes from the Amis word Etolan, meaning 'a place full of stones.' This name reflects the Amis people’s deep connection to their land. During the trip, students explored the history of local landmarks, including Dulan Elementary School, the Catholic Church, and the former sugar factory. These visits provided insight into the village’s cultural transformations over time. Through these experiences, students gained an understanding of how indigenous communities preserve their cultural heritage while adapting to change, embodying the concept of cultural sustainability.
Sustainable Living: Indigenous Wisdom in Practice
The trip highlighted the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) through workshops that demonstrated the Amis people’s close relationship with nature. In one session, students learned to make soap from locally sourced tobacco, emphasizing resource recycling and eco-friendly production. In Dulan’s mountainous traditional territory, participants crafted bamboo chopsticks, cups, and coconut bowls, offering them hands-on experience with sustainable practices and indigenous respect for natural resources.
Cross-Cultural Dialogue: Encouraging Inclusivity and Connection
A campfire gathering in Dulan became a vibrant setting for cultural exchange. Local youth shared their heritage through songs, traditional dances, barbecue, and millet wine, inviting NTNU students to join in the festivities. Wendy Janneth Galeano Aunta, a graduate student from Colombia, described the evening as “a transnational dialogue of hearts” that extended beyond a simple cultural experience. When Colombian music played, students from different countries danced together, highlighting the unifying power of music.
Yu-Hsin Wang, a member of the International Youth Service Corps, noted that the Amis community actively engages with the outside world while protecting their traditional lands. Wang’s reflections highlighted the strength of grassroots governance and cultural preservation, showing how local initiatives contribute to community revitalization.
The Dulan trip offered students more than just a glimpse into Taiwan’s indigenous communities — it became a hands-on lesson in balancing tradition with change. By participating in workshops, sharing meals, and celebrating around the campfire, students experienced how the Amis people stay connected to their roots while welcoming new ideas and friendships. The visit highlighted the value of local knowledge, sustainable practices, and the simple yet powerful role that cultural exchange can play in strengthening communities.