Role of Music:
Taiwanese Indigenous groups have a rich musical heritage. Indigenous music is a vital link to cultural inheritance, passed on through musical forms. Music is not just a form of cultural expression but rather a symbol of ethnic identity, a gateway to social cohesion, and the inheritance of traditions and faith.
Music and Festival:
In Taiwanese Indigenous, music and dancing often connect with their traditional festival. The people often hold festivals to honor nature and gods or celebrate the delightful harvest. Here are some examples of the festival with music and their significance.
The chorus is a powerful musical representation. Through collective singing, the communities not only keep traditional songs and stories passed down but also reinforce shared values and beliefs on their way of life. For Indigenous people, the chorus enhances their self-identity and a deep sense of solidarity while creating a collective spirit. For the audience, listening involves sharing emotions and learning to accept other cultures.
1. Community Unity
People get united in the power of the chorus. Principal Bukut Tasvaluan mentioned the importance and the main concept of the chorus in our interview. He stated that Indigenous children learn to tolerate and unite different voices to create a harmonious sound during their singing. In addition, the singers try to connect with the audience through their voices. Music allows the audiences to share emotions, which is more than a specific language or culture.
2. Cultural Preservation
Indigenous people, especially children who had not grown up in the tribes, may be unfamiliar with their traditional language. Through chorus, the native language could be presented in practical and meaningful ways. The students could also learn the deeper meanings of their culture while learning to sing a cultural song.
3. Respect to Nature
As Principal Bukut Tasvaluan introduced, Indigenous choruses are usually inspired by nature, including respect and gratefulness. For the singers, singing is a connection to nature and a way to raise environmental awareness. The songs also echo the concept of the Indigenous culture including the festivals and the traditional music, which is united with nature to create harmony.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Being an educational organization itself, Vox Nativa Taiwan aims to give education to Taiwanese natives no matter if they’re struggling with financial difficulties, not fitting in with others, or even having mental issues. The organization helps its students by developing their skills, including language, music, and general education skills. Ensuring that the students not only strive in Indigenous society but also in mainstream society.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
Indigenous communities in Taiwan often face economic and educational drawbacks, this is where Vox Nativa comes in, they help these students by giving them more opportunities to ensure they won’t struggle sooner or later, these opportunities include custom educational programs that help students understand the social system, and decreasing the unequalness in education.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
By preserving and encouraging the culture of the Indigenous, Vox Nativa Taiwan develops towards being a sustainable community. The organization helps by promoting its unique cultural heritage while involving modern education systems, allowing the community to thrive without losing its true identity.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Vox Nativa has built a strong relationship with other organizations for the past 15 years, working with 600 organizations to support Indigenous education. Volunteers have contributed over 270,000 hours, and teachers have provided over 28,000 hours of lessons. Their efforts have helped 11 Indigenous tribes, providing guidance to at least 300 children and impacting over 750 families. Through collaboration, they have also brought Indigenous voices across the world, performing in 180 events across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These partnerships have helped Vox Nativa to achieve a major milestone—establishing their own school!
