Cultural Blessings Through Coronation: NTNU Indigenous Graduation Ceremony Accompanies Students on a Journey of Identity and Growth
As the lights slowly illuminated the venue and warm applause filled the room, graduating students, dressed in traditional Indigenous attire, entered hand in hand with their families. Parents lovingly placed graduation scarves decorated with tribal patterns around their children’s shoulders, marking the beginning of a new chapter through songs, blessings, and circle dances.
National Taiwan Normal University’s Indigenous Student Resource Center held the 2026 Indigenous Mini Graduation Ceremony, themed “tjaljitiv—Waterfall,” on May 29 at the General Building. In Northern Paiwan, tjaljitiv means “waterfall,” symbolizing Indigenous students from different places meeting, growing, and gathering strength at NTNU before carrying their cultural memories and identities toward a brighter future.
Leaving Home to Study: Indigenous Students Build Confidence Through Challenges
According to Indigenous Student Advisor vilian, for many Indigenous students who leave their hometowns and tribes to study in Taipei, NTNU becomes more than just a university—it becomes a place of belonging and mutual support. In addition to academic responsibilities, Indigenous students often participate in cultural events, student activities, and organizational planning, making their university journey particularly demanding.
“Seeing everyone make it this far truly makes me proud,” vilian shared, praising students for persevering through both academic and personal challenges. ljuman is from Gulou Tribe in Laiyi Township, Pingtung County. Having experienced the loneliness of leaving home herself, she said she always hoped to share warmth and enthusiasm with others. Over the past four years, she actively participated in activities organized by the Indigenous Student Resource Center, gradually becoming one of its key contributors.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have met everyone here,” uljuman said emotionally. “Working together to organize activities has helped me grow so much. Thank you for these four years.”
Vice President for Student Affairs Lin Mei-chun also encouraged graduates to embrace challenges by sharing the story of Lu Guan-lin, a visually impaired graduate student from the Department of Special Education who developed resilience through participating in triathlons. Lin urged students not to fear failure and to bravely challenge themselves.
“We have grown together at NTNU, and NTNU will always be your home,” she said, reminding graduates that they are surrounded by the support of teachers, friends, and family.
Director Huang Chih-hsiang of the Indigenous Student Resource Center further encouraged graduates to embody the spirit of tjaljitiv—to continue moving forward like a waterfall despite loneliness, setbacks, and hardships, while never forgetting their language, culture, or roots.
“Becoming a True Indigenous Person”: Finding Identity Through Self-Discovery
Patong Tzu-chiang, Specialist Commissioner of the Taipei City Indigenous Peoples Commission, encouraged younger students to pursue their dreams courageously. There is never a time too late to begin—only giving up too early,” he said, urging graduates to move forward without fear. He also shared a Paiwan cultural teaching: “Never spit on morning dew,” emphasizing humility and respect for life.Graduate representative Akiko, an Amis student from the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, reflected on her journey of Indigenous identity.
She admitted that she had not grown up closely connected to her tribe and often felt unlike the stereotypical image of an Indigenous person. “Although I may not look like what people imagine an Indigenous person should be, I have never stopped trying to understand my cultural roots,” she said. “I want to become a true Indigenous person in my own way and continue connecting with my community through what I have learned.”
To close the ceremony, the father of Chou Guan-yu, a student from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, performed his original song, The One and Only You, offering encouragement to graduates.
“Don’t live in other people’s eyes—live in your own heart,” he reminded students through music, encouraging them to stay true to themselves while remembering that family will always remain their strongest support system.
As the ceremony came to an end, graduates and their families joined hands in a traditional circle dance, exchanging blessings and farewells. For the Class of 115, their years at NTNU represented not only academic growth, but also a meaningful journey of rediscovering culture, building identity, and growing together. Written by Campus Reporter Lin Tzu-Chun, Graduate Institute of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language / Edited by Chang Shih / Reviewed by Hu Shih-Tse)