ATAYAL Organization Founder Delivers Lecture to Students at National Taiwan Normal University about Austronesian Connections

On Monday, March 14, ATAYAL Executive Director Tony Coolidge and Tribal Canoe Journeys participant, Johan Coolidge, gave a lecture at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) on indigenous Taiwanese people, their culture and their connection to other indigenous Austronesian peoples. He was invited by Professor Mucahid Gezerogullari to offer a presentation to the students of his Studies in Political Ecology class.

In this lecture, students were given the opportunity to explore the international possibilities available through the connections of the Austronesian peoples of Taiwan with the Austronesians around the world. They also were asked to imagine what the connections and cooperation would offer all of Taiwanese society.

Johan Coolidge shares his experiences with Indigenous culture exchange.

Johan Coolidge shared his personal experiences interacting with Native American and Native Hawaiian youth at the annual Tribal Canoe Journeys events in 2018 and 2019. He also discussed how developing relationships impacted his life personally and what the exchanges may offer Indigenous youth around the world.

The lecturers introduced the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program (IBYAP), the flagship program of the ATAYAL Organization. Students were encouraged to join as volunteers of the NGO and the program.

Tony Coolidge, representing the ATAYAL Organization, has provided customized lectures to schools and governmental organizations in Taiwan since 2010. Cultural lectures are a part of the NGO's programs, providing education and understanding of Taiwan's Indigenous peoples, especially from a worldview perspective.