Introduction
The 21st biennial conference of the Pacific History Association (PHA) will take place in Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, and Taitung, in the Austronesian-speaking indigenous area of southeast Taiwan. We will convene at Taipei for the first part of the conference, and then travel to Taitung to be more engaged with indigenous communities for the second part of the conference. Taitung is famous for its rich Austronesian cultures and the beautiful scenery between coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Tours to Austronesian villages, archaeological sites and the Prehistoric Museum will be arranged.
Conference Theme: Lalan, Chalan, Tala, Ara (Path)--Reconnecting Pacific-Asia Histories
In Proto-Austronesian, zalan refers to path, way or means to do something. Words of the same cognate are widely found throughout the Pacific: lalan/dalan (Taiwan, Southeast Asia), chalan (Chamorro), tala (Solomon Islands) and ara/ala (Polynesia) are some examples that exhibit the strong connections of people and places since ancestral times. The path originates from the past, and points to the future; it links tradition to the present; and it denotes both history and future prospects as an inter-linked whole.
The next PHA conference will be held in Taiwan, the island on the pathway of Austronesian migrations to the Pacific. Since the 17th century, Taiwan has reconnected to the Pacific through trading activities; and has also experienced multiple colonial regimes, and participated in World War Two as a Japanese colony. Recently, growing ties between Pacific Island communities and Asia make this a good time to reflect on the journeys our ancestors have traveled, and to further reconnect Pacific-Asian histories. We need to know our path(s) in the past in order to find our way(s) to the future.
Organizing committee
Organizer
Taiwan Society for Pacific Studies (TSPS)
As new research into language evolution suggests that most Pacific populations originated in Taiwan around 5,200 years ago, the Taiwan Society for Pacific Studies gathers researchers, professors and institutions devoted to a new mapping of Pacific and Austronesian studies in Taiwan. The Taipei Ricci is therefore now a partner of the TSPS and together they focus their work on:
- promoting research on cultural exchange between Pacific and Austronesian culture
- emphazing the importance of the Pacific’s role and contribution in the building of a global substainable development system
- exploring the unique culture of the Pacific and Austronesian islands and make it interact with Taiwan and the world
- playing the role of the Pacific and Austronesian culture resource center in Taiwan
Website: http://pacificstudies.tw
Pacific History Association (PHA)
The PHA was established in 1979 in Australia after having organized two conferences in the country. Its main goal is to promote the study of the Pacific, in the field of culture, society and history. Since then, the Pacific History Association has been holding international conferences biennially to reflect and to celebrate the past, present and future of the Pacific.
The PHA supports indigenous scholars and history teachers in the Pacific region as well as publishes books on the history of the Pacific for school usage.
Website: http://pacifichistoryassociation.org
Co-organizers
Taipei Ricci Institute
Taipei Ricci Institute named after the great Italian sinologist, Matteo Ricci, the Ricci Institute was founded in 1966 by FFr Yves Raguin (1912-1998), Jean Lefeuvre and other Jesuits as a work of the Chinese Province of the Society of Jesus. The purpose of the Institute was originally to continue the Jesuit lexicographic endeavor while developing research in comparative spiritualities and Chinese religions. The TRI is the co-author of the Grand Ricci. Since the beginning of the 90s, the Institute has refocused its work on (a) Taiwanese studies, especially aboriginal languages and religious/ cultural transformations; (b) dialogue with Chinese intellectuals on cultural diversity, sustainable development and spiritual empowerment; (c) and, presently, coordination of various research programs on Pacific and Austronesian studies.
The Institute has developed a rich library now being transferred to Taiwan Central Library.
In January 2004, the Institute founded "Renlai Monthly", in order to foster debate in the Chinese world on issues linked to cultural diversity, sustainable development and spiritual empowerment. The companion "eRenlai.com" website also contributes to nurture communication among social agents, intellectuals and grassroots communities.
Website: http://www.riccibase.com
National Taiwan University
NTU's institutional predecessor was Taihoku Imperial University, founded in 1928 by the Japanese colonial administration. The first president was Shidehara Tan Tairaka Hiroshi. In 1945, the Republic of China won the war of resistance against Japan, and Taiwan was handed over to the Nationalist government of China. On November 15 of that year, Taihoku Imperial University was formally transferred to Chinese administration and renamed as National Taiwan University, with Dr. Tsung-lo Lo appointed as the first President...
For more information, please visit NTU official website.
Center for Indigenous Studies, National Taiwan University
National Taiwan University (NTU) established the Center for Indigenous Studies in 2004. Its goals are the development of Indigenous Studies research, the integration of the university’s indigenous talent and resources to expand this field of research, arousing social issues discussions, as well as promoting the future development of Taiwan indigenous culture.
When the Center for Indigenous Studies was first established, the teachers from the College of BioResources and Agriculture represented its core. Under the policies of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, the center participated in the planning and implementation of surveys about local biological resources. Since May 2013, the Center for Indigenous Studies was adapted in order to integrate the characteristics of NTU’s every department.
In addition, with the creation of a new website, Facebook and other internet platforms, the Center for Indigenous Studies promotes the debate and enriches the understanding of indigenous related issues in order to contribute to the implementation of a multicultural society.
The missions of the center are:
- To promote the sharing of knowledge
- To promote the use of databases related to Taiwan Indigenous Peoples
- To promote interdisciplinary public issue discussions
- To cooperate and exchange actively with international Austronesian research organizations, as to make Taiwan the center of Austronesian culture research
- To increase the general education of Taiwan Indigenous interdisciplinary related curriculum
- To increase Taiwan Indigenous artistic/cultural events and exhibitions within the university
Website：www.cis.ntu.edu.tw
Taiwan Center for Pacific Studies, National Taiwan University
Taiwan Center for Pacific Studies was created under the College of Liberal Arts of National Taiwan University to unify Pacific Studies' human and research resources, to enhance research results as well as to promote Pacific research and encourage experts exchange and cooperation in this field.
The missions of this center are:
- to promote Pacific studies, especially in the field of Austronesian culture, language, history, society…
- to promote academic and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the Pacific region by organizing seminars, cultural events, exhibitions, building websites…
- to encourage graduate students and researchers to enter the field of Pacific and Austronesian Studies, as well as promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and exchange
Website：http://tcps.ntu.edu.tw/index.php/en
Department of Anthropology, National Taiwan University
Department of Anthropology, National Taiwan University was created more than 60 years ago, in 1949, making it the oldest in the History of Taiwan. It covers an abundant variety of academic fields and its teaching system and research institutions are the most complete, so as to cultivate numerous anthropologists in Taiwan. At the beginning of the creation of the Department, the emphasis was put on the integration of anthropology research orientation in order to develop the following four fields: social and cultural anthropology, archeology, physical anthropology and linguistics. However today, the academic emphasis is more focused in the development of social and cultural anthropology, archeology, material cultures and museology. Research fields are now mainly focused on Archeology, Ethnology, Indigenous Culture, Chinese, South-East Asia and Oceania Societies Studies.
Since the Japanese occupation, the departments of Ethnology and Archeology as well as the research fields of Taiwan History and Indigenous Studies were very successful. The department bears the responsibility to link past heritage to the future, by preserving the academic tradition and answering the demands and development of our society. The Department of Anthropology gathers a fabulous collection of images and testimonies from every ethnic group in Taiwan dating from the Japanese occupation, creating precious teaching and display resources. During the last years, the main priority of the department is the cooperation with the Digital Archives and the development of application topics as well as the establishment of the Museum of Anthropology, in order to give the Anthropology collections a new social and educational signification.
Website: http://homepage.ntu.edu.tw/~anthro/english/index.htm
National Taitung University
NTTU, based in Taitung County, was originally established in 1948 as Taiwan Provincial Taitung Teachers School, before becoming National Taitung University in 2003. NTTU counts today two campuses, Taitung campus and Jhihben campus, with the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Humanities and the Teachers’ College.
Not restricted to the field of education, NTTU also cooperates in favor of Taitung tourism, Indigenous Art and Austronesian culture. To become a regional and an international university, NTTU focuses on developing the local institutions and the county’s prosperity, as well as increasing the level of the local culture education.
Website：http://nweb.nttu.edu.tw
Department of Public and Cultural Affaires, NTTU
Established in 2011, the Department of Public and Cultural Affairs provides the Undergraduate program and Master’s Programs in Regional Policy and Development (established in 2004) and Austronesian Studies (established in 2003).
The geographically and politico-economically marginal location of Taitung provides a wide diversity of ethnic cultures and the best environment for education and discussion of public and cultural affairs. With our curriculum design and local resources, we aim to train students to care for environmental and social issues, increase students’ cultural awareness, pay attention to local issues and develop comparative perspectives on public affairs.
Website：http://pca.nttu.edu.tw
Center of Austronesian Culture, NTTU
The Center of Austronesian Culture is a new research center of National Taitung University. This center was built upon the results accumulated over the years of the researches accomplished at NTTU in the field of Taiwan Indigenous, Austronesian Culture and Education. The foundation of the Center of Austronesian Culture enabled a more lively application of research, as well as more practical academic research units.
The Center of Austronesian Culture integrates National Taitung University and Taitung County’s information in order to promote actively Taiwan Indigenous and Austronesian culture. The focus is put on the promotion of education and the application of research so that Austronesian culture continues to be NTTU’s main research field.
Website：http://cas.nttu.edu.tw
National Museum of Prehistory
The objectives of the National Museum of Prehistory (NMP) are to enlighten the public about thecomplexity and diversity of Taiwan's natural ecology, prehistory and its indigenous cultures through thefunctions of research, preservation, exhibition and recreation, as well as to encourage people to appreciateand respect the natural environment and cultures of this island.
The NMP has constructed architectural facilities with a picturesque environment. It is not only the firstmuseum based on the themes of prehistoric and indigenous cultures in Taiwan, the first museum thatincludes an Excavation Site, nature and wildlife park, as well as the museum building itself, but also astate‐ranking museum located on the east coast of Taiwan. Therefore, the overall mission of the NMP is tobuild up social education in the midst of East Taiwan's beautiful mountains and waters, so that it cancontribute to social education, academic research, cultural preservation and recreation. In addition to this,we look forward to the development of the NMP into a top‐ranking museum that best presents localcultural features with an international viewpoint and international status, through the proposition ofTaiwan's prehistory and indigenous cultures that were originated locally yet with content that is beyondnational boundaries.
Website：http://en.nmp.gov.tw/index.php
Taitung County Government
Taitung canvasses an area of 3515 km2, covering 9.78% of the total land area of Taiwan. It is the third largestcounty in Taiwan, next to Hualien and Nantou. Taitung is also the longest county, owning 166 km ofcoastline, 2/5 of the total coastline of Taiwan. Population 234,123. 16 townships.
Website：http://www.taitung.gov.tw/en/Default.aspx?themesite=BAA86C8F16BADDE6
Organizing Team
Hong, Matilde , Executive Director of Taipei Ricci Institute, http://www.erenlai.com/
Huang, Chialin, Researcher of Taipei Ricci Institute, http://www.riccibase.com/
Lee, Lichun June, Project coordinator of Taiwan Society of Pacific Studies(TSPS), http://pacific.erenlai.com/index.php/en/
National Taiwan University venue
Tung, Yuan-chao, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, National Taiwan University, http://homepage.ntu.edu.tw/~anthro/english/member/faculty/tungyuanchau.htm
National Taitung University venue
Tsai, Futuru , Assistant Professor, Department of Public and Cultural Affairs, National Taitung University, http://pca.nttu.edu.tw/files/13-1012-6178.php?Lang=zh-tw
Chang, Yu-Chuan , Associate Professor, Department of Public and Cultural Affairs, National Taitung University, http://pca.nttu.edu.tw/files/13-1012-26016.php?Lang=zh-tw
Yeh, Shu-ling , Assistant Professor, Department of Public and Cultural Affairs, National Taitung University, http://pca.nttu.edu.tw/files/13-1012-6177.php?Lang=zh-tw
Tan, Chang-Kwo , Associate Professor, Department of Public and Cultural Affairs, National Taitung University, http://pca.nttu.edu.tw/files/13‐1012‐26016.php?Lang=zh‐tw
Prehistory Museum Venue
Fang, Chun-wei, Research Assistant, Division of Research & Collection, National Museum of Prehistory, http://www.nmp.gov.tw/uploads/about/02/02/35_pdf.pdf
Academic Coordination
Guo, Pei-yi, Associate Research Professor, Institute of Ethnology, Academia Sinica, http://idv.sinica.edu.tw/peiyiguo/index.htm
Tung, Yuan-chao, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, National Taiwan University, http://homepage.ntu.edu.tw/~anthro/english/member/faculty/tungyuanchau.htm
Kuan, Daya Da-wei, Assistant Professor, Department of Ethnology, National Chenchi University, http://www.ethnos.nccu.edu.tw/teacher.asp
Sung, Li-May, Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Linguistics, National Taiwan University, http://homepage.ntu.edu.tw/~gilntu/People_Faculty.html
International Advisory Board
Paul D'Arcy, Associate Professor, School of Culture, History & Language, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/d-arcy-pc
Jacqui Leckie, Associate Professor/Head of Department, Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Otago, http://www.otago.ac.nz/anthropology/anth/people/leckie.html
Teresia Teaiwa, Senior Lecturer, Pacific Studies,, Va'aomanū Pasifika, Victoria University of Wellington, http://www.victoria.ac.nz/pasifika/about/staff/teresia-teaiwa
Morgan Tuimalealiifano, Head of School School of Social Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=10260&tx_wecstaffdirectory_pi1%5Bcurstaff%5D=2&cHash=8169e13990fd6cb89ae011ab198f6e2b
Alan Quanchi, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, http://socialsciences.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=10278&tx_wecstaffdirectory_pi1[curstaff]=85&cHash=4ae3f67ef346339217f29898f79dfede
Conference agenda
PHA Conference 2014
We will provide a printed version at the venue in Taipei
PHA Conference Tours: 12/04 (Thurs) 13:00-20:00
Main focus: Youngsters vs. Indigenous culture heritage and sustainable development.
Itinerary: The idea is through the construction of tribal tourism, the tribe economy and local industry could better achieve the goals of activation and revitalization.
Program
Itinerary 1
Itinerary 2
Itinerary 3
Indigenous Peoples
Rukai Ethnic Group
Paiwan Ethnic Group
Amis Ethnic Group
Location
Taromak tribe
Lalauran tribe
Torik tribe
Characteristics
The only eastern Rukai tribe
Revival of millet culture
Torik (weaving) culture
Visits
Tribal Patron
Saint, Swing, Harvest festival, Youth's House
Lalaulan tribe millet workshop
Shell-ginger weaving
Experience
Archery
Millet crafts workshop
Cigarettes rolling
Dinner
Traditional indigenous cuisine
Traditional indigenous cuisine
Traditional indigenous cuisine
Itinerary schedule
13:00 Departure
13:30
Wreath laying ceremony
Tribe Patron Saint
Rukai tribe museum
Folk plant cological corridor
Ancestral house
Village chief house
18:00 Traditional diner
20:00 Back to Hotel
13:00 Departure
13:40
Welcoming ceremony
Debrief in the church
Village chief house
Hunter school
Traditional crops park in the village
18 :00 Traditional diner
19:30 Back to Hotel
13:00 Departure
14:00
Tribal house
Shell-ginger weaving
Cigarettes rolling
17:30 Traditional diner
19:00 Back to Hotel
Please understand that we may need to change the schedule or rearrange your selections accordingly due to the limit to the number of people or other unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or road conditions.
PHA Post-conference Tours (Optional, at own cost): 12/07(Sun) 09:00-16:00
Itinerary: The 2 tours leave from Taitung to Hualien, either taking the Rift Valley Line or the East Coast Line. Participants can then take the train back to Taipei from Hualien after the tours.
Program
Itinerary -- East Coast Line
Indigenous Peoples
Amis ethnic group
Location
Pisiliang community group
Characteristics
Buoy drumming
Visits
Indigenous communities’ visits
Food
Indigenous traditional cuisine（Pisiliang community group）
Research and Discussion Topics
Pisiliang：The PAW-PAW is an eco-friendly instrument among the indigenous tribes. The structure is made from fish nets’ drifting buoys collected on the shore, the shape is made from driftwood following typhoons and local goat skin, and the rope stretching the skin is made according to traditional Amis weaving. In addition, paintings and sculptures are applied to decorate its body.
Itinerary schedule
09:00 Departure
10:30 Tour on seawall
11:00 PAWPAW drum performances
11:30 Lunch at Pisiliang community group
13:00 Indigenous art and communities’ visits
14:00 Journey on the East coast
16:00 Arrival at Hualien Train Station. When arriving at the station, please alight the bus at the Tourist Information Center. (English brochures and clean toilets are available).
Please understand that we may need to change the schedule or rearrange your selections accordingly due to the limit to the number of people or other unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or road conditions.
Speakers
Keynote Speakers
> Francis X. Hezel, SJ
Francis X. Hezel, S.J., is a Jesuit priest who has lived and worked in Micronesia for forty-five years. He founded and directed the Micronesian Seminar, a church-sponsored research institute that engaged in a broad public education program for the islands. He is the author of several books on the region’s history and culture, including The First Taint of Civilization, Strangers in Their Own Land and The New Shape of Old Island Cultures. His articles and videos and other products of the Micronesian Seminar can be viewed on-line at the Micronesian Seminar website: www.micsem.org
For more information, please visit his blog: www.wheresfran.org
> Professor Judy Bennett
Department of History and Art History, University of Otago (New Zealand)
Professor Bennett’s research interests are in Pacific History, Environmental History and Australia's and New Zealand's relations with the Pacific Islands. Her latest book, An Otago Storeman in Solomon Islands: The Diary of William Crossan was published in 2012. She is also the lead investigator of the project "Mothers' darlings: Children of indigenous women and World War Two American servicemen in New Zealand and South Pacific societies".
Professor Bennett works also as Co-Editor of 'The Journal of Pacific History'; Editorial Board member of 'Pacific Affairs'; Board member of the Pacific History Association; Assessor of Pacific-related applications for the Australian Research Council; Referee for 'Agricultural History' (USA), 'Pacific Studies' (Hawaii), 'Global Environmental Politics' (Sydney) and Member of the Forest History Society and the Tongan History Association.
For more information, please visit: http://www.otago.ac.nz
> Professor Sun Ta-ch'uan
Associate Professor of Graduate Institute of Taiwanese Literature, National Chengchi University
Sun Ta-ch'uan was born in 1953 as Paelabang danapan in Pinaseki village (Taidong, Taiwan) and belongs to the Puyuma ethnic group. He graduated from the Department of Chinese Literature, National Taiwan University and obtained two master’s degrees respectively from the Department of Philosophy, FuJen Catholic University and Sinology Studies, K.U.Leuven.
He was President of Graduate Institute of Taiwanese Ethno-Development; Chairman of Department of Indigenous Languages and Communication, National Dong Hwa University; Editor-in-Chief of Taiwan Indigenous Voice; Chairman of the Board of Formosa Indigenous Dance Foundation of Culture and Arts; Director of the Association of Native Peoples' Education in Taiwan; Minister of Council of Indigenous Peoples, Executive Yuan. He is currently Associate Professor of Graduate Institute of Taiwanese Literature, National Chengchi University and the Head of Association of indigenous writers of Taiwan.
He founded Taiwan indigenous Voice bimonthly journal in 1993. Before taking the position of Minister of Council of Indigenous Peoples in 2009, he devoted himself to indigenous languages and literature. He assisted the exchange and translation of texts from Taiwan Indigenous and Inner Mongolian writers. With the Japanese scholar Shigeru Tsuchida, they cooperated together for the promotion and the translation of Taiwan Indigenous literature, co-editing the Japanese translation series of Taiwan Indigenous literature (台灣原住民文學選集日譯本系列叢書).
His publications cover Taiwan Indigenous literature, history, politics and society studies including 久久酒一次 (1991), 夾縫中的族群建構──台灣原住民的語言、文化與政治i (2000), BaLiwakes跨時代傳唱的部落音符—卑南族音樂靈魂陸森寶 (2007) and搭蔖灣手記 (2010).