Amis people: Mainland tourists make indigenous feel disrespected – leave festivals to the tribes

Reported by reporter Chen Ziying / Taipei

Singer Chang Chen-yue recently posted on Facebook questioning how the Amis Harvest Festival has turned into a tourist attraction, stating that dancing is not for the sake of tourists. Singer Gao Huizhen also voiced her support on her own Facebook page, backing Chang’s view while adding that while tourism revenue is needed, traditional festivals should not be sold out. This sparked discussions on indigenous festivals and tourism;regarding this, Ms. Chen, a senior indigenous guide from the Amis tribes in Hualien, said: “If tourists really want to see the Harvest Festival, it’s recommended to attend the joint Harvest Festival organized by the county government. The tribes’ own festivals should be left to the tribes themselves.”


▲ Guide Ms. Chen suggests that if you’re truly interested in the Harvest Festival, you can attend the one organized by the county government, and leave the tribes’ own Harvest Festivals to them. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

Also an Amis herself and specializing in guiding tourists, Ms. Chen said: “The tribal Harvest Festival belongs to the tribe!” Ms. Chen believes that most Taiwanese tourists understand and respect indigenous culture well. When they come to eastern Taiwan, they often take a slow-paced approach to getting to know indigenous communities.

In contrast, mainland tourists make indigenous people feel disrespected. Ms. Chen said: “Many mainland tourists come to indigenous villages not only expecting the indigenous to give them something, but even haggle wildly when shopping.” Ms. Chen believes that whether the tourists are brought by the Tourism Bureau or travel agencies, there is a need to educate them. She said:“If you keep expecting the indigenous to give you something without respecting their way of life, you will be very disappointed with the tribal experience.”Ms. Chen further stated that since the opening of indigenous areas to tourism, tribes have continuously adapted and improved themselves. She also called on her people to be more polite toward outside visitors, but not just during the Harvest Festival—she hopes for more empathy and respect from tourists toward all aspects of indigenous life.