“Every beginning counts. Even small beginnings can lead to great things.” The start of every culture signifies the distinct roots that make each individual unique. The definition of cultural heritage is the expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation. This can include customs practices, places, objects, artistic expressions, and values. Cultural heritage is where we came from, reminding us of what we were before and who we are today. For the past few years, Taiwan has celebrated the diversity of indigenous groups through festivals and native values. These include educating youngsters about the specialties of indigenous groups. However, with more individuals moving out of town in search of new opportunities, these cultures began slowly disappearing.
Vox Nativa Taiwan is an international Indigenous school started with the motivation to educate children about their own culture while also broadening their worldview for future opportunities. In this project, we investigate the Vox Nativa Organization with the hope of raising awareness toward the issue of cultural heritage in indigenous groups. This year’s theme of “Creat&Unite” further connects to our research as we explore deeper into the ways of preserving Indigenous cultures through education. Through their chorus, Vox Nativa not only showcases the beauty of traditional music but also unites both the community and the audience. Their efforts emphasize the importance of education as a tool to pass down traditional Indigenous cultures by creating unity.
As international students, our motivation to investigate the indigenous groups in Taiwan stems from multiple perspectives. Coming from diverse backgrounds ourselves, we have personally experienced the power of education. This exposure has ignited a deep sense of inspiration within us to advocate for indigenous education. Through our research, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of education and accessibility for all, particularly for Indigenous communities who have historically faced challenges. We hope to contribute to a positive chance on how policies can better support areas of education for Indigenous groups. Our research not only introduces the educational aspect but also acknowledges Taiwan’s indigenous cultural heritage. These communities hold unique traditions, languages, and practices that have been passed down for generations. However, in an era of rapid globalization and modernization, many of these traditions are at risk of fading away. We believe that preserving cultural heritage is just as important as ensuring access to education, as both are deeply interconnected in shaping identity and sustaining Indigenous presence.
In this project, we investigate deeper into the educational and cultural aspects of Taiwan’s indigenous groups. Our research aims to explore the challenges these communities face in education while also highlighting their vibrant cultural heritage. To gain insight, we conducted research on the Vox Nativa Association and had the opportunity to visit their campus, allowing us to engage directly with their programs. Through this experience, we were able to develop a greater understanding of the core beliefs and values that shape Indigenous education. We hope that by sharing our findings, we can contribute to a greater awareness of the importance of culturally inclusive education.
