Cou｜
The Tsou people primarily live in the Alishan area of Chiayi. Their social integration strategy is highly centralized and performance-oriented. The traditional men’s house (kuba) forms the center of tribal political, military, and ritual life. The most important annual ritual is Mayasvi (war ritual). Its core functions are the maintenance of the social hierarchy, military mobilization, and the consolidation of leadership.
The delegation, consisting of 17 athletes, is led by Kao, Jui-Fang (Mayor of Alishan Township). The organization of the team was coordinated by Chiayi County and relevant organizations and agencies.
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Thau｜
The Thau people primarily live around Sun Moon Lake in Nantou. Their language is endangered, and the rescue of the Thau language is crucial for the continuation of their ethnic identity. Thau culture is influenced by water-related beliefs, where ancestral spirits are closely intertwined with their fishing life. The most important ceremonial event is the Ancestral Ritual (Tungkariri Lus’an), which is held between September 21 and October 20 every year, aimed at strengthening kin relationships.
The delegation, consisting of 30 athletes, is led by Shih, Ching-Lung (Councilor of the Nantou County Council). The organization of the team was coordinated by Nantou County and relevant organizations and agencies.
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Kanakanavu｜
The Kanakanavu people primarily live in the Takanua and Maia Villages of Namasia District, Kaohsiung City. Their social integration strategy is built on the resilience of kinship networks, forming a decentralized structure maintained through internally focused bonds. The most important ceremonial event is the Millet Harvest Ritual (Mantungahli), aimed to thank the millet spirits, celebrate the harvest, and strengthen daily exchange and mutual assistance among households.
The delegation, consisting of 36 athletes, is led by Shih, Jung-Tsung (Chairman of the Taiwan Kanakanavu Development Association). The organization of the team was coordinated by Kaohsiung City and relevant organizations and agencies.
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Hla’alua｜
The Hla’alua people primarily live in Gaozhong and Taoyuan Villages of Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City, and Maia Village of Namasia District. A key feature of the ethnic group’ system is that it is guided by the belief in sacred objects, with the institutionalization of the “Holy Shell” belief at its core. The most important ceremonial event is the Holy Shell Ritual (Miatungusu), the core of which is the worship and management of Holy Shells that are considered the embodiment of ancestor spirits with prophetic abilities.
The delegation, consisting of 48 athletes, is led by Pan, Wen-Ping (Chairman of the Kaohsiung Hla’alua Culture and Education Association). The organization of the team was coordinated by Kaohsiung City and relevant organizations and agencies.
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We hope that the teams from our nation’s various ethnic groups can leverage their talents and achieve excellent results in the competition!
#Connecting the World’s Indigenous Peoples
#Let the World See the Strength and Beauty of Indigenous Peoples
December 10–12, 2025
Pingtung County Lai Yi Senior High School • Kaohsiung Lotus Pond Area