The Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) held the 2025 International Forum of Indigenous Women Leaders today (December 11) at the Kaohsiung Grand Hotel Kaohsiung, welcoming 27 Indigenous women leaders from 12 countries, alongside nearly 200 participants from Taiwan. Distinguished international guests included Bilung Gloria Gibbon Salii, Queen of Palau, and Daisy Alik-Momotaro, Senator of the Marshall Islands and Presidential Envoy for Gender, Youth and Children Affairs, both of whom attended the forum in person.

According to the CIP, the forum was organized around the central theme of “Generational Governance by Indigenous Women.” Through keynote speeches and four parallel panel sessions, the program highlighted indigenous women’s journeys from cultural transmission within their communities to active participation in public governance. By fostering cross-national dialogue, the forum aimed to strengthen indigenous women’s global perspectives and public engagement capacities, while providing Taiwan’s indigenous communities with a platform for meaningful exchange with international counterparts.

During the forum period, the CIP also arranged community and cultural site visits for international delegates. On December 12, guests visited the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park in Majia Township, Pingtung County, where they toured museum collections and attended national-level indigenous cultural performances. Delegates also visited the Xinlaiyi Cultural Health Station in the Siljevavav Indigenous Community, gaining firsthand insight into Taiwan’s indigenous culture, community-based care services, and local development initiatives. These visits offered valuable opportunities for mutual learning and exchange between international guests and local communities.

On December 13, delegates traveled to Taitung County to visit the Peinan Site Park and the National Museum of Prehistory, where they explored exhibitions on Austronesian cultures and indigenous heritage, providing a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s role in Austronesian migration history, indigenous cultural lineages, and long-term efforts in cultural preservation. Delegates also participated in the 2025 Taiwan PASIWALI Festival held from December 13 to 14. Through music as a shared cross-cultural language, the festival fostered understanding and connection among indigenous peoples from different regions, showcasing the diversity and vitality of cultures and enabling deeper cultural interaction with Taiwan’s indigenous communities.

As the central government agency responsible for indigenous affairs, the CIP emphasized that in addition to advancing policies for the overall development of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, it actively strengthens international engagement, expands Taiwan’s participation in global and diplomatic spaces, and promotes shared development among indigenous peoples worldwide. Through both senior level and grassroots channels, the CIP continues to support diverse forms of international indigenous exchange and collaboration.

Against the backdrop of Taitung’s landscape where the mountains meet the sea, indigenous songs echoed across the land, accompanied by lively dance steps and melodies resonating with nature. Hosted by the CIP and co-organized by the Taitung County Government, the Taiwan PASIWALI Festival opened today and continues tomorrow in Taitung. Now in its eighth edition, the festival invites the world to listen to and experience the powerful musical voices of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples.

【Indigenous Music × A Global Stage of Dreams】

The 2025 PASIWALI Festival is centered on the theme “We Are the Champions × Strength in Action,” following the momentum of the 2025 World Indigenous Traditional Games. The festival brings together performers from Taiwan and around the world, featuring local indigenous music and dance troupes, renowned bands, and emerging artists in a dynamic, rotating lineup. At least 16 performing acts will take the stage, including Hanayakara, Tamariki Poerani, the Naluwan Dance Troupe, the Farangaw Youth Singing Group, Abus Tanapima, Giyu Tjuljaviya, Firstgrowth, Kumu Basaw, NIXSA, Anslom, Arase x Reloading Bros, Pacak and His Sisters, OTYKEN, Sangpuy, Ayal Komod, and LANDY. Through cross-regional, cross-generational, and cross-genre musical dialogue, the festival will showcase the depth, breadth, and creative vitality of indigenous music, transforming sound into a powerful expression of cultural strength and beauty that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.

【Diverse Experiences × A Feast for the Senses】

The festival grounds feature five traditional tribal houses, offering immersive cultural experiences. In addition, 65 indigenous food and artisan vendors will present specialty cuisine and handcrafted goods, creating a vibrant cultural marketplace that also stimulates local economic development.

【Tourism Promotion × Driving Sustainable Growth】

According to the CIP, the PASIWALI Festival has drawn widespread attention and sharing from music lovers and visitors both in Taiwan and abroad. The CIP hopes the festival will continue to serve as a key international exchange platform for indigenous singers, bands, and dance groups, further enhancing the global visibility and influence of Taiwan's indigenous culture. The event also encourages tribal youth participation and homecomings, while vendors and nearby businesses experience the economic momentum generated by increased visitor traffic—demonstrating the positive synergy between culture and tourism.