Indigenous Bridges Program adjusts to cultural exchange needs in post COVID-19 world

The humble beginnings in 2017 of the Tao Tribal participation in the Tribal Journeys event.

The global COVID-19 pandemic postponed the 2020 Tribal Journeys cultural exchange event in Washington State and British Columbia, Canada. Native American tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest from Alaska to Northern California had to cancel their plans, as the host tribes cited taking precautions for the health and well-being of the tribal elders as a primary reason for the cancellation. Indigenous tribes from around the world, including the Tao Tribe from Taiwan, postponed their plans to visit the annual event. The Nisqually Tribe also postponed their first cultural exchange trip to Taiwan in 2020 because of the Coronavirus.

During this pause in cultural exchange activities, the ATAYAL Organization has been working on developing its relationships in Taiwan and the USA with indigenous groups and developing its connections to resources to support the indigenous groups. The organization is also working on its programs for the Indigenous Bridges youth exchange programs.

One of the important developments that have come out of the pandemic is the growing importance of the Internet exchanges and digital cultural media development. Unpredictable restrictions to travel makes the planning of international exchanges difficult. Adjusting to this change, the ATAYAL organization is discussing online cultural media development with different partners. We have also adjusted our Organizational Chart to include a new director position, Director of Digital Media.

The ATAYAL Organization is currently recruiting for our volunteer positions. Please contact us, if you have interest in a fulfilling role that will make a difference for future generations on indigenous peoples.