“Masvala – Peace” Indigenous Cultural Week Opens at Cheng Shiu University: Celebrating Ethnic Diversity Through Fashion, Craftsmanship, and Cuisine

Cheng Shiu University’s Indigenous Cultural Week, titled “Masvala – Peace”, kicked off this week as part of the university’s anniversary celebrations. The three-day event features cultural experiences, indigenous greetings from Taiwan’s 16 tribes, and a vibrant cultural and creative market, showcasing the rich diversity of Taiwan’s indigenous cultures.

University President Dr. Jui-Chang Kung remarked that the Indigenous Week offers a meaningful opportunity for cross-cultural understanding. He noted that the event not only bridges different indigenous communities but also brings together international students from Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, enriching the campus with shared cultural experiences.

A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Connection

Organized by the Indigenous Student Resource Center, the event spans multiple locations on campus, including the Humanities Plaza, the library lawn, and the Hexi Corridor. It is held in collaboration with two featured programs from the Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration:

• The Innovation Career Counseling Program: “Career Blueprint – Sustainable Tourism x Local Revitalization”

• The Indigenous Career Development Program: “Forward with Strength – Crafting the DNA of Indigenous Culinary Aesthetics”

The opening ceremony featured students from the Pakelang Indigenous Cultural Club performing traditional Bunun dance and song, filling the atmosphere with joy and cultural pride. A lawn picnic and music party in front of the library added a relaxed and festive vibe. Students from six southern universities—including National Kaohsiung Normal University, National Pingtung University, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Fooyin University, Shu-Te University, and Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science—joined the celebration. Wearing traditional regalia, they sang, danced, and exchanged tribal friendship, creating a lively and heartfelt sense of community.

Three Key Zones: Tradition, Innovation, and Interaction

The Indigenous Cultural Week is divided into three main exhibition zones:

1. Career and Agri-Education Showcase: Featuring achievements in food education and career development.

2. Performance Area: Showcasing traditional music, dance, and cultural expression.

3. Cultural Experience Zone: Offering hands-on exploration of traditional attire, crafts, rituals, greetings from all 16 tribes, and interactive activities such as agri-themed board games and a special dragon-tiger grouper station.

The cultural and creative market, co-hosted with international students via the Office of International Affairs, includes Austronesian cuisine, traditional clothing, and products from indigenous communities along Pingtung’s Route 185.

The final day, November 6, will culminate with a Paiwan-style wedding show performed in collaboration with the Department of Cosmetology and Fashion Styling, bringing the week-long celebration to a spectacular finale.

Preserving Tradition Through Celebration

President Kung, accompanied by Director Lin Shu-Yun of the Indigenous Student Resource Center, visited each cultural booth. At the mochi-making station, students in traditional attire pounded sticky rice using wooden mallets, drawing attention and praise. “Making mochi soft and chewy takes real skill,” he commented with admiration.

Director Lin emphasized that the goal of “Masvala – Peace” is to foster deeper understanding and appreciation for indigenous cultures among students and faculty. Through vibrant displays, interactive learning, and joyful celebration, Cheng Shiu University continues to promote cultural inclusivity and respect on campus.

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