FIELDNOTE_0426_NALUWAN_CHARMAINE
We had a very engaging time this week at Naluwan with our grandmas. Together with the grandmas, we made seashell hanging ornaments using the shells we collected last week.
We had a very engaging time this week at Naluwan with our grandmas. Together with the grandmas, we made seashell hanging ornaments using the shells we collected last week.
Interesting how you managed to discover the Amis language connection to Malay, further connection to Austronesian, and the similarities the language has to other Asian languages. I also liked your posed questions, which are in line with what I am concerned about after reading your piece. I remembered posing such a similar question to my Ahma, regarding whether there would be a loss of culture as the younger generation starts to live far away from their original hometown, Taitung. She mentioned that the younger generation here in Naluwan, Hsinchu are working hard to continue to uphold the Amis culture and roots in their new "home". So hopefully for generations to come, the Amis people will not lose their heritage, and not forget their original roots.
This week, one of the grandma shared more about her attachment and relations with Naluwan in Hsinchu.
I was seated with the same grandmas of the families I met last week and was also attached to a new grandma at the table.
Listening to the passing trains slowly accelerating away made me excited for what was to come in Naluwan. Arriving at Xiangshan station was a whole new feeling, it was peaceful.
When we first arrived at the Naluwan tribe in Hsinchu, we were just in time to join in with the elderly of the tribe, at what seemed their morning exercise.
Chief Bruce Shisheesh - chief of the Aboriginal people mentioned. Announced that the community was in a state of emergency.
House of Commons
Dr. Caroline Tait - Psychiatry professor in the COllege of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She helped start the First Peoples-First Person Indigenous Hub, a research initiative meant to examine mental health issues among Aboriginal People. She received her PhD from Departments of Anthropology and Social Studies of Medicine at McGill University.
Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna - declared suicide a crisis in the territory in order to avoid the temporary concern that a public health emergency would grant.
Manitoba Assembly Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak - pointed out the importance of preservation of culture on the mental wellness of these people.
Inuit people - have the highest suicide rate in the world
Bob Merasty - Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation Vice Chief.
Georgina Jolibois - member of parliament for the region. Stood in the House of Commons and voiced concerns about mental health issues in the area and lack of resources or attention.
National Aboriginal Health Organization - non-profit organization meant to help the community.