Foreign students in the Huayu BEST Program had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's diverse indigenous cultures. This time, they visited the Yamai tribe, located in northern Taiwan, to experience the traditional lifestyle and customs of the Atayal people. The Yamai tribe is an important settlement of the Atayal, renowned for its rich culture and traditional handicrafts.
Within the tribe, the students learned about the Atayal people's history, language, and hunting culture. They participated in a millet rice dumpling-making workshop led by local tribe members, where they learned how to make millet rice dumplings and understood traditional activities such as hunting. These activities not only allowed the students to experience the unique cuisine of the Atayal but also gave them insight into the tribe's wisdom of living harmoniously with nature. The students also felt the cultural value and significance of preserving and passing down these skills within the tribe.
This learning journey not only provided students with a deeper understanding of Taiwan's indigenous cultures but also allowed them to appreciate how these ancient traditions are preserved and continue to thrive in modern society.