Page 36 - Hualien Sustainable Living Bilingual Magazine

Fearing that indigenous cultures are disappearing around the world and keeping in mind that Hualien has the richest indigenous culture in Taiwan, Billy Chang wants his work to pass on indigenous cultures, “The trinity of indigenous culture is wild vegetables, music and dance, and architecture.” Hualien already has the Hualien Indigenous Wild Vegetables Center, but he also wants to see further development in music and dance and architecture. Furthermore, many children in indigenous communities don’t speak their indigenous languages. By establishing the Hualien Indigenous Music and Dance School, he can encourage indigenous tribes to learn one another’s traditional songs and pass on indigenous cultures. “You have to sing the songs to pass them on; dance the dance to keep the memories from fading.” For him, the music and dance of indigenous peoples should extend beyond carnival-style dancing, and should represent the legacy of real traditions that move people. Billy Chang hopes that, “the establishment of the Hualien Indigenous Music and Dance School will help create a record of the precious elements of indigenous culture, such as dance, songs, prayers, and foraging.” The way indigenous people gather different plants in different seasons to weave handicrafts and build houses, a practice passed down over thousands of years, is closely connected to the sustainability of the natural environment. “We can establish the architectural systems of different tribes and recruit more volunteers going forward to rebuild more traditional ancestral houses and pass on the beauty of indigenous traditions.” He is well aware that the east coast of Taiwan is blessed with abundant natural resources, making it ideal for cultivating unique artistic energy and athletes. Like Colorado, where the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains are located, Hualien can be a suitable training ground for many athletes. Billy Chang sees Hualien’s profound potential and believes that with the right training, it is possible for Hualien to reach even greater athletic achievements, elevating the region’s creative energy and legacy of ethnic cultures. 31