2023
About the Program
Many of us have heard of Koxinga, but who is he, really? Depending on who you ask, you might receive a different answer. Also known as Zheng Chenggong, he is worshipped by the Han people as the holy king who founded Taiwan. But to the Indigenous, he is not a “national hero”, but rather a colonial ruler.
In this Hope Talk, find out about Zheng Chenggong’s varying positions in history, and how it reflects the ongoing evolution of Taiwan’s diverse history and society.
Known by its initials NMTH, the National Museum of Taiwan History is located in Annan District on the western edge of Tainan. 400 years ago, this was the site of a huge bay known as the Taijiang Inner Sea. In this historically significant place, they continue to tell stories of Taiwan’s past and preserve its present.
To preserve Taiwan’s historical and cultural memory, NMTH has amassed a collection of nearly 150,000 artifacts. Combined with strong research, planning, and promotion capabilities, they focus on historical and contemporary issues to tell the story of Taiwan and its people from a variety of viewpoints and interethnic perspectives. NMTH provides diverse members of the public with friendly services and educational programs. Built upon a strong foundation of local historical research and the foundation of museum historiography, NMTH’s vision is to showcase “Taiwan and its Place in the World”. They aim to promote Taiwan’s cultural identity through preservation of historical artifacts, dialogues on historical issues, international cooperation, and knowledge accessibility. They reiterate the value of multiculturalism and their commitment to be a history museum at the national level that can shine a light on contemporary social issues.
From the Curating Team
How have migration, war, and conflict impacted culture and social values of today? This year at TAIWANfest, we dive into the significance of Taipei's National Palace Museum, Taiwanese diaspora during the Japansese colonial period, recovery of Indigenous culture, and other Taiwanese history. Through this, we examine identity, social values, and contemporary challenges, fostering international dialogue and respect for cultural diversity.
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TAIWANfest Vancouver is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered here, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples of this land while we engage in meaningful conversations of culture and reconciliation.