EU Media Delegation Introduced to Atayal Indigenous Culture

A local elder guided the delegation through an exploration of local culture and history

The ATAYAL Organization worked with Sinopsis and the Bakala Foundation to provide a hands-on Indigenous cultural experience in Wulai District (烏來區) of New Taipei City to a delegation of media reporters from the European Union. Instead of the typical "tourist" experiences of the closest Indigenous village to Taipei City, the volunteers of the ATAYAL Organization introduced the media members to Tranan Aboriginal Culture Camp. Local Atayal villagers introduced their culture, sharing the food, drink, customs and traditions, including a traditional barbecue of mountain boar.

(Left to right) Our Taiwan organizer and volunteer interpreters

After a morning of cultural activity, the delegation were introduced to dozens of local villagers who were participating in a holiday festival. The locals and the visitors were not apprehensive, and it wasn't long before they were playing some traditional games together. After the festival concluded, the local leaders set up an impromptu press conference to answer the reporters' questions about the Indigenous view on topics of interest.

A traditional Atayal barbecue of mountain boar

The experience was capped off with a tour of the famous waterfall and Wulai Old Street and a dinner of Indigenous specialities, where the owner, a former celebrity vocalist, entertained the group with songs. The media delegation had many surprising and unexpected experiences that they were sure to share with audiences back home.