The Council of Indigenous Peoples held the "Island Hopping Book Launch" today, on February 29th, at the Business Weekly Conference Room, releasing two translated works: Chiefs Today: Traditional Pacific Leadership and the Postcolonial State and Pathway of the Birds: The Voyage Achievements of Māori and Their Polynesian Ancestors. The event featured diplomats and representatives from Austronesian nations stationed in Taiwan, as well as translators of the books, scholars, and experts in related fields. The diverse perspectives offered at the event aim to enhance the understanding of readers in Taiwan and the broader Chinese-speaking world regarding the peoples, islands, histories, and indigenous cultures of the Pacific region, while also fostering deeper connections between Taiwan and the Austronesian nations worldwide.
The event notably invited H. E. Ambassador Anjanette Kattil of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to Taiwan, along with Tina Wilson, the head of the New Zealand Trade Development Centre of the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office, as speakers. They shared insights into the traditional leadership system of the Marshall Islands and the voyaging culture of the Māori ancestors.
The Council of Indigenous Peoples highlighted its commitment to thoroughly exploring the traditional histories of the Austronesian peoples, promoting awareness among the citizens of Taiwan, fostering indigenous consciousness, and strengthening cultural identity. Since 2018, in alignment with the "New Southbound Policy" and collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the "Austronesian Culture Collection Translation Project" has been underway. To date, six significant works have been published with the assistance of translators and review committee members who possess relevant professional backgrounds. Going forward, the mission to preserve and perpetuate Austronesian cultures will continue through the translation and publication of humanities and history books, ensuring the sustainable cultivation of Austronesian cultures.