Factors Affecting the Preservation of Indigenous Culture:Evidence from Do-Na tribe, Mao-Lin District

• Main Authors: Hsiao-ling Shih, 史小玲
• Other Authors: Chyi-Lu Jang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/25077307653914448668

碩士 === 國立中山大學 === 高階公共政策碩士班 === 101 === Loss of traditional culture and imbalance of ecological environment have become the common problem for aborigines in Taiwan. This study aims to explore current state of culture and assets reservation as well as issues in Dona Tribe of Maolin District, Kaohsiung City. Suggestions are made to whether tribal culture reservation can be effectively achieved by the government’s continuously investing funds and deploying natural and cultural resources in the indigenous areas for tourism and economic development. This study is a qualitative case study. Data collection methods include in-depth interviews, participant observation and related literature. Interviewees include tribal members, community leaders, related government officials and local school workers. Through the aforementioned multiple ways of data collection, the purpose of triangulation is achieved and the credibility and validity of the results are increased. The findings of this study suggest that three dimensions including ecological sustainability, culture restoration and economic support will be helpful to the maintenance and reservation of Aborigines tribal cultural assets. Thus, sufficient rights should be given to the Aboriginal tribes to deploy natural resources in order to develop tourism and promote their economy. By so doing, indigenous peoples’ employment opportunity will simultaneously be increased. In addition to the enhancement of their cultural identity, effective communication and advocacy are needed to increase locals’ participation on tribal public affairs. Regardless tangible or intangible cultural asset maintenance, it is crucial to have tribal consensus and support which can serve as powerful strength in the promotion and construction of indigenous culture.