Developing a reliable partnership in Taiwan for indigenous youth exchange



On Saturday, December 28, 2019, Directors Tony Coolidge (with his family) and Gary Smoke of our organization visited Christian Mountain Childrens Home in Liouguei District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. It was a huge celebration, which combined their annual anniversary with the grand opening of their new facilities on their campus.

The Coolidge family and Gary Smoke attending the December 28 celebration.
They were invited by Reverend Joseph Yang, the director of Taiwan's famous orphanage, which has mostly indigenous children from different tribes in Taiwan. Reverend Yang is, himself, descended from an indigenous mother from the Atayal tribe. His mother and father founded the home for children, which is a very touching story, in itself.


Aside from enjoying the festivities, the visitors introduced the Tribal Journeys Youth Exchange Program and what participation could be arranged for the Liouguei Indigenous Choir, which is an important part of the orphanage. The choir travels and performs throughout the world, giving the indigenous residents of Christian Mountain Childrens Home a remarkable opportunity to share Taiwan's indigenous culture and broaden their horizons.


Tony Coolidge with Ruthie Edd, a volunteer at the event as well as participant of the International Indigenous Teachers Exchange Program (IITEP).

The ATAYAL organization is in discussions with Reverend Yang about developing long-term cooperation through Indigenous Bridges and its Tribal Journeys Youth Exchange Program (TJYEP). Our program would give meaningful opportunities to interact with Native American youth and youth from other international tribes that participate in the annual Tribal Journeys event in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and Canada.



Our hope is to provide support to develop future leaders of the international indigenous world who value and cherish their own indigenous cultures and languages.

Please click here to learn about and support the project through volunteerism and donations.

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