Cultural diversity and open dialogue highlights PCT Conference on National Affairs
Reported by Sam Lee
Written by Lydia Ma
To showcase cultural diversity in Taiwan and demonstrate that there’s also a “fun” side to PCT’s “Conference on National Affairs”, a “Culture Night” was scheduled during the conference, featuring Aborigine traditional ceremonies and music, Hakka drums, and more.
Aborigine performances included a Bunun choir from Hsinyi Church where performers donned traditional Aborigine attires, stood in a circle, held out their hands, and sang to God asking for a bountiful harvest. Maleveleve, a youth who was previously awarded 3rd place at a national music competition, sang an Aborigine solo that inspired the audience.
Atayal music was also featured at “Culture Night”, but their booths featuring handcrafts and homegrown produce were most memorable. All proceeds from sales went to help financially-strapped Aborigine families afford their children’s tuition.
“What will you and I do in the next 3 years for an independent Taiwan?” was a key discussion question during an OST-style meeting during this historic PCT conference.
Answers and discussion groups included, “fire President Ma, save Taiwan, win the 2012 presidential elections”, “encourage youths to be involved in Taiwan’s democratic process”, “evangelism in Taiwan starting at the grassroots”, and “promote Aborigine self-rule”.
Unlike previous years, OST-style meetings at this PCT conference provided ample opportunity for everyone to speak and be initiators and contributors. It transformed and livened the conference – making it less perfunctory and rigid.
