Taitung County is home to nearly 80,000 Indigenous Peoples—around one third of its population. With seven distinct Indigenous groups rooted in the region, Taitung stands as one of Taiwan’s most vibrant and culturally diverse Indigenous areas.
Passing on a Precious Cultural Heritage
Sr. Catherina TANG, DC and a member of the Amis people, is deeply committed to preserving Indigenous culture. Together with the AIC (Ladies of Charity) in Taiwan, she organizes an annual summer camp for Indigenous children and youth.
This year, 30 children aged 8 to 13 joined the three day, two night camp. Most were Catholic, accompanied by two Bunun priests who took part in the activities. The participants came from both mountain and coastal communities. For those from remote mountain villages, the camp became a doorway to new environments and a chance to meet children from other Indigenous communities.
During the camp, the children explored traditional outdoor survival skills and crafted indigenous handiwork, deepening their appreciation of their heritage. They also discovered the beauty of God’s creation while learning to live, communicate, and share with one another in friendship and mutual respect.
Witnesses of Faith and Culture
Sr. Catherina and the two Bunun priests offered the children inspiring examples of how faith and Indigenous identity can enrich one another. Through their presence and witness, they encouraged the children to be proud of their heritage, treasure their culture, and live their faith through love and service.
For the Daughters of Charity and the Ladies of Charity, this summer camp is more than just an activity. It is a concrete way of accompanying Indigenous children, nurturing their cultural identity, strengthening community, and helping them grow in faith and confidence.
Through culture, community, and faith, these young people discover that their heritage is a gift, their identity a source of pride, and their lives a meaningful part of the wider human family.
