The theme of Taiwan Tech Indigenous Students’ achievement presentation this year is “Anini Moments”. Based on the students' learning experiences from their trips to the Amis Marlan tribe in Taitung during winter and summer breaks, the exhibition combines their academic knowledge with the essence of tribal traditions and modern innovations. The week-long annual showcase aims to inspire visitors to “seize the moment and let each moment become a driving force forward”.

The group photo.

“Anini” in the Amis language means “now” or “the present moment”. “Anini Moments” is organized by the Indigenous Student Resource Center and the Indigenous Youth Association of Taiwan Tech. This series of events brings together 15 indigenous and non-indigenous participants to showcase their self-exploration and growth through cultural exploration. The diverse activities include an Indigenous Week market, static exhibitions, an opening tea party, thematic lectures, and performances of Amis music and dance. The event aims to continue and promote Amis traditional culture, rituals, and polyphonic singing, highlighting the ongoing efforts of indigenous generations to preserve their heritage and celebrating both the historical glory and contemporary vitality of the Marlan tribe.

The artwork “Interwoven” uses cross-stitch techniques with plastic materials instead of traditional cotton to create a sun totem. This piece symbolizes the pull between modern urban life and traditional tribal cultures.

The students have transformed their knowledge from fieldwork in the Marlan tribe into four static exhibition pieces: “Interwoven”, “Traces”, “Sacrifice”, and “Continuity”. Each piece uses different methods through large-scale fabrics, immersive scenes, interactive installations, and graphics to convey poignant moments:

• “Interwoven” employs cross-stitch techniques with plastic materials replacing traditional cotton to create a complete sun totem, symbolizing the pull between modern urban life and traditional tribal cultures.
• “Sacrifice” uses text and imagery to guide viewers through the Kiloma’an (new year festival) of the Marlan tribe, revealing the deeper meanings of the ceremony.
• “Traces” combines historical maps with modern geographical data to offer an aerial view of the changes in the Marlan tribe's area in Taitung City.
• “Continuity” contrasts past and present through scenic displays of Amis polyphonic chanting, providing a visual and auditory feast that links cultural and emotional threads between the past and the present.

“Sacrifice” features items used in daily life and ceremonies of the Marlan tribe. Through text and imagery, it guides viewers step by step to understand the Kiloma’an (New Year festival).

Yu-Chi Lin, the general secretary, is an Amis from the Ching-feng Tribe in Taitung's Chishang. She mentioned that in previous years she participated as a member, but this year, as the chief organizer, her role has changed. This opportunity has also deepened her understanding of her own culture. She described the polyphonic singing of the Marlan tribe as feeling “like catching and supporting each other through the song”, which adds a unique charm to the entire song.

Students from the Indigenous Youth Association at Taiwan Tech visited the Amis Marlan tribe in Taitung during their winter and summer breaks for cultural exploration and learning.

Taiwan Tech’s Vice President Jhy-Chern Liu highlighted the many outstanding indigenous individuals from the Amis tribe, such as Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hsing-Chun Kuo, Ironman champion Chuan-Kwang Yang, Japanese baseball player Genji Kaku, and professional baseball player Yi-Hsin Chen. Their relentless spirit has deeply inspired the people of Taiwan. Although there are not many indigenous students at Taiwan Tech, their integration into academic life provides the university with the opportunity to learn about the culture and wisdom of the Marlan tribe, continually adding more vibrancy to the campus.

Taiwan Tech’s Vice President Jly-Chern Liu delivered a speech.

The opening tea party invited Icyang Parod, the former chairman of Indigenous Peoples Committee. He noted that many indigenous youth today lack experience in tribal life. He expressed his appreciation for students who immerse themselves in tribal learning and bring back the Marlan tribe's songs, calling this a significant sign of the new generation's renewed connection to their tribes. He also encouraged students to freely speak their native languages on campus to ensure the sustainability and continued transmission of indigenous languages, cultures, and identities.

The former chairman of Indigenous Peoples Committee, Icyang Parod, delivered a speech.

Lowking Nowbucyang, CEO of the Indigenous Languages Research and Development Foundation, stated that with the increasing number of indigenous people living in urban areas, he is grateful to Taiwan Tech for providing indigenous students with resources and opportunities. This support allows them to deeply experience tribal culture and characteristics, opening up more possibilities for their future.

Lowking Nowbucyang, CEO of the Indigenous Languages Research and Development Foundation, delivered a speech.

The “anini” series of events will continue until September 13, 2024. It invites students, faculty, and the general public to witness the rich and sincere passion of contemporary indigenous students for cultural heritage. For more detailed information about the exhibition and activities, visit the “2024｜anini Indigenous Youth Association 6th Annual Showcase” Facebook page or Instagram: 2024_anini.