The Atayal Tribe: Critical Zones

Join us on a 4-day fieldtrip to visit Yilan County in northeastern Taiwan to explore indigenous arts, crafts, cuisine, sustainable practices, and educational initiatives for the local indigenous youth.

As one of Taiwan’s largest indigenous groups, this interaction provides deep insights into the Atayal culture and how they have survived alongside the natural environment. Students will learn and experience traditional cuisine, storytelling, crafts, flying fishing, and night hunting, and discuss the tribe’s living history, narratives, and rituals. This excursion offers a unique opportunity to engage with an indigenous community and employ the concept of “gaga” to rejuvenate our connections and friendships between peoples, and as custodians of the natural and communal ecologies.

Deliverables will include a short video documentary, a revitalisation report, journalling and reflections on the relationality of indigenous practices to their own disciplines, focus group interviews, and other contributions to knowledge.

Students are expected to arrange their own airfares, visa, and other transportation costs and must arrive Taipei on 20 May 2025 in the morning before 11:00 am to arrive at 1:30 pm (sharp) gathering at Taipei Main Station to take bus to Yilan. Students will arrive back in Taipei Main Station around 4 pm on 23 May 2025 (dismissal time and point).

Up to HK$800 will be reimbursed to students for the flights upon completion of the trip and all deliverables and a stipend of up to $1,000 will be available based on the quality of work. Basic expenses for the trip will be fully covered including accommodation, workshops, and meals with local community.

Once selected, students must confirm participation by submitting to the Common Core Office copies of i) Valid passport; ii) Flight ticket, and; iii) Application of visa (if applicable).

Participating students must also attend an online compulsory pre-trip preparation workshop on 12 May 2025 (2:30 – 3:30 pm). Please submit evidence of timetable clash if you cannot make it.

After completion, students will be eligible to earn a certificate and apply for two (2) non-graduating academic credit through HKU Horizons (The credit appears on your transcript but does not count towards your GPA or graduation).

For further information, please contact the Common Core at commoncore@hku.hk.