Perspectives of Indigenous Bridges

(From Left To Right) Xander Coolidge, Si Mateneng, Tony Coolidge, Yosifu Visiting Taitung to learn more about what my own Indigenous identity means to me, I met three people whose Indigenous identities expanded their horizons and brought purpose and fulfillment to their lives. by Xander Coolidge (陳仁德) On February 8, 2023, during the Winter holidays, I traveled to Taitung City for four days to learn more about Indigenous culture and the possibilities that my own Atayal Indigenous identity may provide for my future. As a busy high school student in Taiwan, I only know basic information about Taiwan's Austronesian identity that is taught in Taiwanese schools. So, I valued this opportunity to learn from Indigenous people and to gain insights into what their Indigenous identities mean to them. I really don't know what my Austronesian roots mean to me and how it might influence my future, but it doesn't hurt to dig into the culture and see what is revealed in the Indigenous parad...

The Financials of 2022 reflect a year of preparation for the resumption of cultural exchange activity. The organization has further developed the program and expanded its partnerships for the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program. The expenses reflect this increased level of activity and preparation for the resumption of activities. The donations for 2022 have been minimal since no active fundraising campaign was executed. INCOME ($3,503.91) Donations (8) - $3,503.91 EXPENSES ($9,324.98) OPERATIONAL EXPENSES ($9,234.98) Professional Services - $433.50 Office Supplies/Software - $2,417.00 Printing - $13.06 Postage and Delivery - $61.45 Dues and Subscriptions - $180.25    Travel and Transportation - $3,282.45 Miscellaneous - $83.72 (Atayal Dictionaries) Rent - 2022 Washington State Registered Agent Fee and Mailbox Rental - $300.00 Bank Fees - $205.52 PROGRAM EXPENSES ($3,355.07) Professional Services (lecture fee for Syaman Lamuran) - $100.47    Meals - $486.89 T...

  The 2023 activities of the Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassador Program will establish the foundation of cooperation between Austronesian groups and North American First Nations. Our fundraising goal is to raise $40,315 for the 2023 Total Budget through a combination of donations, sponsorships, grants, and subscriptions. We provide a tax-deductible receipt for donations from the USA. For donations in Taiwan, they will be provided to our partner, Tao Foundation, https://www.taofoundation.org.tw/ . These Taiwanese funds will be used to offset expenses for the Delegation Trip to Washington State in Summer 2023. Our Budget in 2023 support the expansion of activities due to the ease of travel restrictions and also pursues the goals of our 2023 Vision Statement . OPERATIONAL BUDGET - USD $4,760 $1,700 - Professional Services (Promotions and Media Production) $1,000 - Equipment $260 - Annual Registrations (Florida, Washington State, Hawaii, California) $150 - Dues and Subscriptions $30...

  The Year of 2022 started off with the end of the Zero-COVID Policy in Taiwan, thanks to the Omicron wave overcoming its borders. The first half of the year saw changes in policy as COVID was no longer seen as a serious threat to public health. Public health policies became less restrictive and, as a result, our organization's activities gained momentum. The next year promises to see a resumption of normal cultural exchange activities, thanks to the opening of borders and the reduction in restrictions. Last year, our organization used the down time to be productive, strengthening the foundation for a sustainable future. This year, we made substantial progress with the four pillars of our organization:  Recruiting, Program Development, Partnerships and Fundraising . I. RECRUITING In 2021, we added an important member to our Board and Staff. Wennifer Lin Haver – Secretary and Program Director Wennifer Lin Haver, PhD is a founder of a non-profit organization who earned her Ma...

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 traditio...

Gerald Arcilla Santos, Regional Director for the ATAYAL Organization in the California Bay Area, organized an exhibit of the "Distant Journeys Of Cultural Exchange" at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center . The monthlong event at the OACC began on November 4, 2022. The traveling exhibit is curated by ATAYAL Regional Director Anthonie Tumpag, and it has been on display several times in the Chicago area. Regional Director Gerald Arcilla Santos The exhibit includes photos of the participation of the Taiwanese Indigenous delegation during the 2019 Tribal Canoe Journeys. It also includes Indigenous Taiwanese artifacts personally collected by Anthonie Tumpag. OACC has invited Tony Coolidge and Gerald Arcilla Santos to take part in a closing ceremony live-streamed on Instagram on Saturday, December 17th, where they will share views of the exhibit, describe the background and the organization. The Oakland Asian Cultural Center builds vibrant communities through Asian and Pacific Islande...

  This document lays out the path for the future of our non-profit organization, including the steps required to achieve our ultimate goal, empowering the next generations of Indigenous leaders to build international connections and develop sustainable community development projects. Our future vision embraces our longstanding Mission Statement: Our organization empowers Indigenous youth to be future problem-solvers, building international connections, exchanges, and programs that bridge the gap between the sustainability of traditional knowledge and the societal challenges of the modern world. 2023 VISION The organization completes organizational overhaul and rebranding of programs, adding officers, board members, fundraising director, and other key directors The organization raises USD $50,000 annually to fund legacy programs The organization is registered in 3 U.S. States The organization supports Indigenous Bridges Youth Ambassadors from 6 First Nations USD $2,000 in educationa...