The Council of Indigenous Peoples organized the "2023 Achievement Presentation and Demonstration of the Revitalization of Indigenous Traditional Medical Knowledge" today at the Evergreen Laurel Hotel in Taichung on November 24. Approximately 230 participants, comprising tribal members, indigenous healthcare workers, personnel from cultural and health stations, as well as representatives from county and city governments, attended the event.

The event showcased the accomplishments of talent workshops and study sessions conducted in Northern, Central, Southern, and Eastern Taiwan this year, thereby extending the reach and impact of the traditional medical knowledge revitalization program. Additionally, the winners of the "Encouragement Program for Recording Audio-Visual Images of Indigenous Traditional Medical and Ritual Practices and Ethnic Plant Culture" were announced. A total of 17 award-winning works covered diverse themes, including traditional plant applications, shamans, and mediumship. These audio-visual recordings are intended to preserve indigenous traditional wisdom. One noteworthy project involved interviewing tribal elders to document the traditional use of local indigenous herbs, such as the five-leaved chaste tree, known for its sleep-enhancing, protective, and courage-boosting properties. The edited videos acquired through the workshops, facilitate tribal members in identifying and understanding the methods used in early tribal practices.

As a commitment to prioritizing Indigenous health rights and addressing disparities in welfare and healthcare, the Council of Indigenous Peoples views preserving and applying Indigenous traditional medical knowledge as a crucial task. Taiwan's indigenous peoples boast a rich heritage of traditional medical culture and a profound knowledge of medicinal plants. The Council continuously endeavors to promote revitalization programs and support initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting indigenous traditional medical knowledge. This collaborative effort seeks to pass down and revive indigenous traditional culture. With the recent passage of the "Indigenous Peoples Health Act," there’s an expectation to improve the average life expectancy of Indigenous peoples and to garner increased attention and resources for Indigenous cultural assets, enhancing both their quality and quantity.