Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day! Kaohsiung's 'Great Tide' Officially Launches with Heroes of the Indigenous Movement Uniting to Pass on Generational Spirit

In celebration of August 1 as Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Indigenous Affairs Commission of Kaohsiung City Government held the event "Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day: The Launch of Kaohsiung's Great Tide" on August 1 at the Kaohsiung Fuhua Hotel. Secretary-General Wang Chi-chuan of the Kaohsiung City Government, along with representatives from various indigenous groups and veteran leaders of the indigenous rights movement, jointly announced the official launch of the "Kaohsiung Great Tide" series. The event previewed this year’s seven urban cultural festivals, traditional rituals in indigenous regions, and the annual flagship event "Kaohsiung Great Tide," inviting people nationwide to experience Kaohsiung’s rich and diverse indigenous cultures.

The event also hosted the TAKAO 81 Indigenous Movement Relay Forum titled "Returning to Where We Once Began," bringing together key figures from the indigenous rights movement, including National Human Rights Commission member Hung I-chang, former Council of Indigenous Peoples Minister Yukan Taru, Control Yuan member Fan Hsun-lu, alongside young creators, musicians, and social media content producers for intergenerational dialogue. Discussions spanned pivotal developments over the past 40 years—from the founding of magazines like Gao Shan Qing (Glorious Mountain) and Yuan Bao (Indigenous News), revitalization of indigenous languages, to the evolution of indigenous media and new digital platforms.

Indigenous musician Dakarao shared his personal journey of engaging in the indigenous movement through music, performing several iconic songs that evoked powerful memories of the struggle for recognition and rights.

The Commission emphasized that the transition from being labeled "mountain compatriots" to "indigenous people," and ultimately to "indigenous peoples," was achieved through decades of advocacy and multiple constitutional amendments. This culminated in 2005 when Taiwan’s Executive Yuan officially designated August 1 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day," marking a significant milestone in ethnic identity and cultural dignity.

Hung I-chang reflected on the movement’s progress—from fighting for identity recognition to establishing a new partnership between government and indigenous communities—and urged younger generations to continue carrying forward this spirit, fostering broader understanding and respect for indigenous cultures and rights.

Yukan Taru encouraged youth to stay engaged in public affairs and speak up boldly, advancing indigenous rights further. He commended Kaohsiung’s Indigenous Affairs Commission for hosting the TAKAO 81 forum for two consecutive years, calling it an important platform for educating the public about the history and significance of the naming movement.

Commission Chairperson Abus stated that the forum aims to pass on the spirit of the indigenous movement through dialogue between pioneers and youth, helping younger generations understand that today’s freedom to use their native languages, preserve culture, and affirm self-identity are hard-won achievements of previous generations.

Abus also announced that this year’s Kaohsiung United Indigenous Harvest Festival—"Kaohsiung Great Tide"—will take place on October 17–18. It will feature cultural performances, music concerts, food stalls, and market activities, inviting people across the nation to visit Kaohsiung and immerse themselves in the vibrant charm of indigenous cultures.