On Qixi (Chinese Valentine's Day), our office welcomed a particularly energetic youth delegation from Taiwan! Led by Principal Lin Jaw-ting of National Pingbei Senior High School and supervised by Section Chief Ho Tsai-ying of the Ministry of Education, the group comprised nearly 30 outstanding Indigenous high school students—representing the Amis, Atayal, Seediq, Paiwan, and Truku peoples—who gathered on New Zealand’s North Island to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan’s Indigenous communities. Director-General Lin and his colleagues warmly received the group and engaged in a face-to-face exchange with the students, fostering a meaningful cross-generational cultural exchange.

Two young Indigenous leaders delivered opening remarks on behalf of the delegation, impressing everyone with their poised and confident demeanor. In addition to outlining the role and functions of the office, DG Lin highlighted the fruitful outcomes of recent Indigenous exchanges between Taiwan and New Zealand. Notably, he mentioned the Indigenous Youth Leadership Training Camp—now in its 13th year—which originated from the Indigenous Peoples Chapter of the Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Cooperation (ANZTEC), signed in 2013; this initiative continues to serve as a bridge for deepening exchanges between the Indigenous peoples of both nations.

DG Lin also shared news of one exciting upcoming event featuring the cultural exchange between indigenous peoples of Taiwan and nations in the South Pacific. Ms. Yuma Taru—a Taiwanese artist designated as a "Preserver of Important Traditional Craftsmanship" (also known as a "Living National Treasure")—has been invited to showcase six fashion creations that incorporate traditional Taiwanese indigenous weaving techniques at New Zealand Fashion Week in Auckland this week, which is believed to be a spectacular event!

Students dressed in the traditional attire of their respective tribes eagerly seized the opportunity to raise questions to DG Lin. They exchanged views ranging from cultural cooperation between Taiwan and New Zealand to the daily realities and challenges of Taiwanese diplomats’ career abroad, demonstrating their immense passion for both their cultural identity and international affairs!

To conclude the exchange, the students performed traditional indigenous songs. Their melodious, heartwarming voices were deeply moving, touching everyone present. Seeing these young people—clad in beautiful traditional clothing and with eyes shining with idealism and passion—fills us with confidence and anticipation for the future success of Taiwan's indigenous peoples on the international stage!