Taiwan’s first national museum dedicated to indigenous peoples has reached a pivotal milestone today with the unveiling of the Preparatory Office of the National Indigenous Peoples Museum in Kaohsiung. The inauguration ceremony was hosted by the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) Minister Ljaucu Zingrur, and attended by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, elected representatives from all levels of government, and representatives from various indigenous groups. A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Alele Museum of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, symbolizing a new chapter in connecting Taiwan’s indigenous cultures with the global community.

During his remarks, Minister Ljaucu Zingrur underscored the museum’s mission: “The heart of the National Indigenous Peoples Museum is in placing indigenous peoples at the center—telling our own history and culture from our own perspective to Taiwan and the world to not only foster a deeper public understanding of indigenous peoples but to also serve as a hub for Austronesian cultural research and exchange.”

Indigenous-led Narratives: Telling Our Stories to the World

The museum was planned as a cultural space that truly embodies indigenous subjectivity. Guided by the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law and the Museum Act, every aspect—from collection and curation to architectural design—is centered on “telling our own stories.” The National Indigenous Peoples Museum will stand as a hall for preserving and showcasing precious cultural heritage, while also driving a transformation in historical interpretation and affirming cultural sovereignty.

Forging Global Partnerships: Building a Hub for Austronesian Cultural Exchange

The signing of the MOU with the Alele Museum was another major highlight of the ceremony. From its inception, the preparatory office has actively pursued international collaboration and strong partnerships with cultural institutions of indigenous peoples across the Pacific and around the world. The museum will serve as a bridge linking Taiwan with the global Austronesian community in the future, creating an international platform for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and scholarly research, allowing the depth and vitality of Taiwan’s indigenous cultures to shine on the world stage.