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“Exploring ‘hmkangi’! Discovering Our Roots, Finding Our Direction” Indigenous Yuan Association Achieved Excellence in the 2023 Northern Region College Students Indigenous Language Singing Contest

 

◎ Second-year Education Department Student, Chen Chen Su

    The Northern Region College Students Indigenous Language Singing Contest, also known as the“Shi Mu Cup”, has reached its 28th edition this year. This stage has witnessed numerous indigenous students showcasing the unique charm of their cultures. The Cup competition is not only a grand singing competition but also a place for mutual connection and cultural integration. It carries the passion of indigenous students for cherishing and developing their traditional culture. In recent years, our club, Indigenous Yuan Club, has regarded this competition as a significant annual event. We believe that through such a platform, our members can find their place in cultural exploration, experience the emotions of culture through mutual exchange and learning.

    Adhering to the philosophy of “Exploring cultural roots, finding our own direction,” Indigenous Yuan Association prepared a performance this year named “Exploring ‘hmkangi’.” This name encapsulates the profound stories and choices of our people leaving the tribal life to embark on new journeys. “hmkangi” means “searching” in Atayal, symbolizing the constant search for our place and direction in life as students studying in the urban environment. The decision to stay in the city or return to the tribal life often leaves us feeling lost, and this is the central idea we aim to convey through our performance. We hope that the audience can deeply understand the efforts and reflections we put into facing the choices between urban and tribal life, and we anticipate this emotionally sincere performance that allows the audience to feel the complex emotions of being in different cultural environments.