Bridging Cultures: Indigenous Connections Between Taiwan and Canada

Bridging Cultures: Indigenous Connections Between Taiwan and Canada
Recognizing and Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Photo by the Province of British Columbia on flickr.

In an increasingly interconnected world, relationships between Indigenous peoples globally are growing stronger. A fascinating example is the developing ties between the Indigenous communities of Taiwan and Canada. Both nations, while geographically distant, share significant parallels in their histories, struggles, and efforts toward cultural preservation and self-determination. Recent collaborations highlight a shared commitment to addressing historical injustices and creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples through education, cultural exchange, and governance.


A Unique Perspective on Taiwan’s Indigenous Role

On October 1st, I had the chance to participate in a conference titled “The Other ‘I’ in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: A Taiwan-Canada Dialogue on Indigenous Engagement” alongside my University of Ottawa colleague Scott Simon and Harry Ho-jen Tseng, the Taiwanese representative to Canada. The discussion reaffirmed my belief that Taiwan plays a unique role in Indigenous issues in Asia. Unlike many countries in the region that ignore or even suppress Indigenous peoples and their cultures, Taiwan has taken an approach that more closely resembles Canada’s—one of recognition, respect, and collaboration. This makes Taiwan a notable example in Asia for advancing Indigenous rights.

Shared Histories and Parallel Struggles

Taiwan and Canada have both faced the devastating impacts of colonization on their Indigenous populations. In Taiwan, Indigenous peoples have endured centuries of displacement and discrimination, from Japanese colonial rule to modern economic pressures. Similarly, Canada’s Indigenous communities have struggled with systemic injustices, including forced assimilation, the Indian residential school system, and the loss of land and cultural heritage.

Despite these challenges, both countries have made strides toward reconciliation. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen issued a historic apology to Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples in 2016, acknowledging past wrongs and initiating efforts to address land rights, cultural preservation, and historical justice. In Canada, initiatives like the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) have shed light on these injustices, resulting in recommendations and actions for healing and empowerment.

Indigenous Representation in Governance

One significant parallel lies in how both nations approach Indigenous representation in governance. Taiwan reserves six seats in its Legislative Yuan exclusively for Indigenous legislators—three for lowland groups and three for highland groups. This ensures Indigenous voices are heard in national policymaking. However, challenges remain, as these representatives often depend on major political parties for election, which can dilute their advocacy for Indigenous-specific issues.

In Canada, efforts to include Indigenous voices have taken different forms. From self-governance agreements to land claims settlements, Canadian policies aim to empower Indigenous communities to control their own affairs. The Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC) is a strong example, representing multiple First Nations in Manitoba and leading initiatives in economic development, governance, and cultural preservation.

A Historic Collaboration: The DOTC-Taiwan MOU

The collaboration between the DOTC and Taiwan showcases the potential for international Indigenous partnerships. In 2023, the DOTC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiwan’s representatives to explore trade, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. This partnership was born out of mutual respect and shared goals, such as leveraging traditional knowledge for sustainable development and addressing challenges in remote healthcare access. The MOU highlights how Indigenous communities from different nations can work together to tackle common challenges and create new opportunities.

Media and Cultural Preservation Media plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Indigenous cultures. Taiwan Indigenous Television (TiTV) and Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) serve as vital platforms for broadcasting Indigenous languages, stories, and traditions. Interestingly, Taiwan’s TiTV inspired the creation of the APTN, demonstrating a powerful example of international influence and mutual learning.

Both networks emphasize language revitalization, a cornerstone of cultural preservation. In Canada, the Indigenous Languages Act protects languages like Cree and Inuktitut, while in Taiwan, government policies support the preservation of Indigenous languages such as Amis and Paiwan. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that Indigenous voices and identities remain vibrant for future generations.

Global Indigenous Networks: WINHEC and UNDRIP

International frameworks like the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) further strengthen ties between Taiwan and Canada. WINHEC promotes Indigenous knowledge systems and higher education globally, with both nations actively participating. Meanwhile, UNDRIP provides a framework for Indigenous rights, guiding policies in both countries toward greater equity and justice.

Building Bridges Across Borders

The connections between Taiwan and Canada’s Indigenous communities demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing shared challenges. By learning from each other’s successes and struggles, these partnerships not only benefit Indigenous peoples but also inspire global efforts toward reconciliation and cultural preservation.

As the world continues to recognize the importance of Indigenous perspectives, Taiwan and Canada stand as examples of how cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration can build stronger, more inclusive societies. Whether through governance, media, or trade, these connections highlight the profound potential of Indigenous solidarity across borders.

See more analysis by Robert-Falcon Ouellette on the Radio-Canada website.

Read his article on the ‘An Indigenous Warrior Code of Honor‘ in the Canadian Military Journal.

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