Monthly DEIJ Celebrations: November – Indigenous Heritage

Indigenous Heritage Month at TAS seeks to deepen understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples by focusing on their history and ongoing struggles for recognition and rights. This month focuses on recognizing the diversity of Indigenous communities, both those officially recognized and those still fighting for recognition, and emphasizes the importance of educating ourselves on the history, struggles, and achievements of these communities.  

In Taiwan, there are 16 officially recognized Indigenous groups, with guaranteed political representation at various government levels. However, at least 10 Pingpu Indigenous groups remain unrecognized, lacking political representation and access to government programs. Similarly, in the United States, there are 574 federally recognized Indigenous tribes, but many tribes remain unrecognized, affecting their ability to self-govern and access federal funding and resources. 

The celebration emphasizes the importance of learning about Indigenous history, from pre-colonization to the present day, including the impact of colonization, forced assimilation, and ongoing inequitable policies. It also highlights the value of oral traditions in Indigenous cultures, as they offer a first-person perspective often missing in academic accounts. Resources such as An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and oral history projects from universities provide diverse ways to learn about Indigenous histories and experiences. The month encourages reflection on how to honor Indigenous peoples by educating ourselves about their history, understanding their current challenges, and recognizing their achievements.