A train bearing iconic images representing Taiwan’s aboriginal culture was launched July 29 in Taipei City as part of celebrations leading up to Aug. 1 Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
A collaboration between Taiwan Railways Administration and the Cabinet-level Council of Indigenous Peoples, the train’s livery is inspired by the 16 winning works from an aboriginal children’s painting contest held in October 2018. The Taroko Express locomotive, which runs between New Taipei City and Taitung County in southeastern Taiwan, will remain in service until October 28.
CIP Minister Icyang Parod said during the launch ceremony that by spotlighting elements of indigenous culture such as customs and folklore, the train will help the public better appreciate the significance and immense value of Taiwan’s tribal communities.
According to the CIP, the train’s interior is decorated with indigenous artifacts, as well as booklets and QR codes linking to websites offering information on Taiwan’s aboriginals and the history of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Other activities and events planned for next month as part of Indigenous Peoples’ Day include a special exhibition and related forum on aboriginal activism at National Central Library and the Grand Hotel, respectively, in Taipei, as well as the as the Taiwan Pasiwali Festival in Taitung. The latter features performances by singers from Bolivia, Japan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Palau and the Philippines.
Indigenous peoples have lived in Taiwan for millenniums. The latest official statistics reveal that the population of Taiwan’s 16 officially recognized tribes stands at around 567,000, or 2.4 percent of the total 23.58 million. (SFC-E)
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