Indigenous Peoples
Taiwan's Indigenous People — the Austronesians
Taiwan's 16 officially recognized indigenous groups make up about 2.5% of the population (around 580,000 people), but they have an epochal significance: Taiwan is considered the original homeland of the Austronesian peoples — the ancestors of the Polynesians, Hawaiians, Maori, and Malagasy probably originate from Taiwan. The indigenous languages of Taiwan form the oldest branches of the Austronesian language family, which extends over half the Pacific.
The Most Important Groups for Travelers
- Amis (阿美族, approx. 210,000): The largest group, located on the east coast. Known for the colorful Harvest Festival (Ilisin, July–August) with traditional dances and songs. Their cuisine uses wild herbs and seafood.
- Atayal (泰雅族, approx. 90,000): In the northern highlands (Wulai). Famous for their facial tattoos (historically) and complex weaving tradition. The Atayal Museum in Wulai provides a good insight.
- Truku (太魯閣族, approx. 33,000): In the Taroko area — the name "Taroko" comes from their language. Traditional hunters and weavers.
- Tao/Yami (達悟族, approx. 4,500): On Orchid Island. The only seafaring indigenous group in Taiwan. Famous for their hand-carved canoes (Tatala) and the Flying Fish Festival.
- Thao (邵族, approx. 800): At Sun Moon Lake — one of the smallest indigenous groups in the world. Dances and culture in Ita Thao village.
In recent decades, Taiwan has made important steps towards recognizing indigenous rights: In 2016, President Tsai Ing-wen officially apologized for historical injustices, indigenous languages are taught in schools, and traditional territories are increasingly recognized. However, discrimination and poverty remain issues in some indigenous communities.
