The Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) held the torch lighting ceremony for the 2025 World Indigenous Traditional Games today (November 26) at the Octagonal Pavilion of the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park. After receiving blessings from elders and admiring performances from various groups, the symbolic torch was lit, signaling that Taiwan has now begun the final countdown to the international Indigenous competition. Starting today (November 26), the torch will be relayed across the entire island of Taiwan, visiting 55 Indigenous government offices until December 10.
The inaugural World Indigenous Traditional Games is scheduled to take place in Pingtung and Kaohsiung from December 10 to 12, 2025. This event is Taiwan’s debut as the host country of an international traditional Indigenous sports gathering. The event features around 1,100 athletes from 28 teams across 10 countries, including Taiwan, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, Guatemala, New Zealand, the Philippines, the United States, Canada, and Japan. This demonstrates an unprecedented scale of international Indigenous exchange.
A total of 10 traditional Indigenous events are scheduled: traditional archery, traditional music and dance, log sawing, traditional tug-of-war, traditional wrestling, net casting, traditional canoe racing, traditional road running, traditional weight carrying, and freediving sprint. These events reflect the physical culture and knowledge of each group derived from mountain, marine, and life skills.
Minister Zingrur pointed out that the World Indigenous Traditional Games focus on balancing culture and athletic competition. It serves not only as a sports activity but also as a vital platform for language, music, rituals, and cultural exchange. Hosting for the first time, Taiwan, an important birthplace of Austronesian culture, will cordially welcome Indigenous people from around the globe. The goal is to “let Taiwan become an important arena where international Indigenous cultures can meet and achieve mutual understanding.”
In closing, Minister Zingrur expressed his hope that the torch’s light and the Games will serve to foster the continuation of Indigenous culture and ensure that the spirit, art, and culture of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples are recognized globally.