The World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC) was established in August 2002 at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Alberta, Canada. WINHEC’s aim is to bring professionals together to achieve common goals through higher education. Members come from many different countries and a variety of diverse areas such as university departments, research organizations and government agencies.
(Source from WINHEC)
Elders of Indigenous Wisdom
Amalanamahlʉ Salapuana 游仁貴(Hla’alua)
Amalanamahlʉ Salapuana has dedicated decades to the revitalization of the Hla’alua language, the development of Indigenous language teaching materials, and the movement to restore the Hla’alua people’s official name. He also led his community in reviving the sacred Shell Festival, strengthening Indigenous visibility, cultural identity, and confidence through cultural revitalization and the transmission of traditional knowledge.
Lowsi Rakaw 黃長興(Tayal)
As both a traditional hunter and a researcher, Lowsi Rakaw has devoted himself to documenting the migration history of the Truku people and conducting extensive field investigations of ancestral settlements. He has recorded more than 300 archaeological and cultural sites and published research on Truku origins, making significant contributions to the preservation of traditional territories and oral history.
Mo’o E’ucna 摩奧・悟吉納(Tsou)
Mo’o E’ucna served as the inaugural Chairperson of the Indigenous Languages Research and Development Foundation, where he played a key role in advancing Taiwan’s national Indigenous language policies. Following his retirement, he has remained deeply engaged in community education in Shanmei Village, integrating Tsou language, cultural values, and environmental ethics into local education, with a lasting impact on cultural transmission.
Service to Indigenous Education
Paicʉ Usaiyana 白紫．武賽亞納(Tsuo)
From Kumih Tribe, Paicʉ Usaiyana has long promoted Indigenous language revitalization and Indigenous education in urban schools. She is committed to bridging the gap between mainstream education and Indigenous knowledge systems while fostering students’ understanding of Indigenous identity and cultural heritage.
Dr. Yu Kan-Ping (虞戡平博士)
A distinguished film director and educator, Dr. Yu Kan-Ping has compiled more than 40 years of invaluable audiovisual documentation of Indigenous cultures, encompassing over 3,000 recordings. His work has elevated Indigenous cultures to the national stage while mentoring and inspiring a new generation of Indigenous filmmakers and visual storytellers.
【News Links】2025 / 2025(English Version)
Chiefs of Indiegenous Leadership
Bavaragh Dagalomai謝若蘭 (Siraya)
During her tenure as Co-Chair of WINHEC, Bavaragh Dagalomai actively fostered connections among Indigenous higher education institutions worldwide, advancing the decolonization of education and promoting international academic collaboration. She has been dedicated to strengthening the global presence and influence of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples, demonstrating outstanding leadership in cross-cultural engagement.
Elders of Indigenous Wisdom
Tjavaus．Alunguyan 陳利友妹 (Paiwan)
As a nationally recognized preserver of traditional crafts, Tjavaus．Alunguyan is highly skilled in a wide range of Paiwan traditional textile techniques, including the iconic Paiwan cross-stitch embroidery. She has devoted herself to passing down the cultural knowledge embedded in traditional garments—their motifs, symbolism, and tribal histories—from one generation to the next. Renowned for both her exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to cultural continuity, she is regarded as a living source of Indigenous wisdom.
Service to Indigenous Education
林淑雅
As a legal scholar and human rights advocate, Lin Shu-Ya devoted her career to advancing the legal recognition and protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights in Taiwan. Through her academic scholarship and public engagement, she transcended ethnic boundaries to become a steadfast ally in promoting Indigenous rights and advancing transitional justice.
【News links】2023 / 2023(English Version)
【Pictures】國際事務中心人物簡介 / 自由時報 / 維基百科
Elders of Indigenous Wisdom
潘萬金(Tevorangh)
For more than four decades, Pan Wan-Chin has dedicated himself to the revitalization of Taivoan culture, leading his community in restoring traditional ceremonies and ancient songs while playing a leading role in the Taivoan name rectification movement. As a respected Elder and custodian of local Indigenous knowledge, he has safeguarded Taivoan identity through oral traditions and community leadership, culminating in the official recognition of the Taivoan people by local government authorities.
Aing Banday 嚴玉英 (Kebalan)
Recognized nationally as a Living National Treasure, Aing Banday is a master practitioner of the Kavalan traditional banana fiber weaving technique (ni tenunan tu benina) and a respected ceremonial leader. She has devoted her life to the revitalization of traditional craftsmanship and cultural education, bringing the Kavalan people’s distinctive fiber-weaving traditions and spiritual values to the international stage. Her lifelong commitment has made her a pivotal figure in safeguarding one of Taiwan’s most significant forms of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
【News links】2021 / 2021(English Version)
【Pictures】WINHEC Honours 2021
The Order of the Circle of Elders of Indigenous Wisdom
Obing Nawi郭蔡再妹(Seediq)
Obing Nawi is a master of traditional Seediq weaving, using the art of weaving as a living expression of Seediq cultural values and identity. She has dedicated herself to passing on the wisdom and techniques of her ancestors to younger generations, serving as a leading figure in the preservation and education of traditional weaving culture.
Teymu Losi 簡阿守(Seediq)
With extensive knowledge of tribal traditions and a deep understanding of community history, he has devoted his life to preserving traditional hunting practices, ecological knowledge of the mountains and forests, and Indigenous cultural heritage. His lifelong commitment has made him an indispensable source of wisdom and an exemplary educator within his community.
Akawyan Pakawyan 林清美(Pinuyumayan)
Akawyan Pakawyan has devoted herself to developing Pinuyumayan language teaching materials and promoting Indigenous language education. She also founded a performing arts troupe to preserve and promote traditional songs and dances while working to restore and safeguard the ceremonial practices and cultural traditions of the Pinuyumayan people. Through the integration of arts and education, she has successfully enhanced the visibility of Pinuyumayan culture both in Taiwan and internationally, earning recognition as a leading advocate for cultural preservation and revitalization.
【News links】2019 / 2019(English Version)
【Pictures】靜宜大學賽德克族知識研究中心 / 國家文化記憶庫