【News from the Office of University Social Responsibility】

NCCU’s third-phase USR project, “Implementing the Satoyama Economy through Holistic Rural Planning,” continues the previous Higher Education Sprout USR Hub project, “Satoyama Initiative for Urban-Adjacent Areas.” Over the years, the university has offered general education courses on local revitalization, such as this semester’s (111-2) “Introduction to Local Revitalization: Industry and Solutions” and “Case Studies in Local Revitalization,” serving as an introduction to concepts related to local revitalization and spatial planning.

The project partnered this year with National Ilan University, using Lunpi Tribe in Yilan as a case site. Two field-based teaching events and multiple lectures were held, allowing students to explore the history, culture, and industrial development of Lunpi Tribe through on-site visits and local partner engagement, while also examining the area’s environmental and spatial use to assess its potential for local revitalization.

1. First Field-Based Teaching (2023.03.11)

The first session featured lectures by Director Wang Jin-Fa of the Indigenous Student Resource Center at National Ilan University and community-building expert Mr. Hsu Zai-Fa, who introduced the development and history of Lunpi Tribe. They guided students on a walking tour through the upper and lower Lunpi areas to observe the local lifestyle, industrial spaces, and ecological environment.

The industries and ecology of Lunpi are closely connected, exemplified by the local plant maqaw. Maqaw can be harvested in the area and used to enhance food flavor, forming the basis of a growing industry.

Beyond maqaw, the area’s abundant natural resources also support tourism development. One example is Jiouliao Stream Ecological Park, a local nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna, riverbanks, and waterfalls. Mr. Hsu explained the park’s establishment, the tribe’s views on its development, and the ecological characteristics of its plant species.

2. Second Field-Based Teaching (2023.05.06)

In the second visit, course participants and other students joined an immersive teaching activity in Lunpi, Datong Township, Yilan. A diverse set of activities allowed students to explore local issues from multiple perspectives, including community walks, visits to a weaving workshop, the local health care group “One Grain of Wheat,” the millet park and riverside ecological park, and the Atayal Life Pavilion. Students could choose topics of interest for deeper exploration and exchange.
During the community tour, Mr. Hsu led a comprehensive introduction to various parts of Lunpi Tribe, including the Datong Township Office, Atayal spirit statues, cultural corridor, and murals, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the area.

At the weaving workshop, the manager introduced the community’s weaving culture and shared personal stories to help students understand weaving not just as a skill, but as a vessel for cultural heritage.

In response to the aging population and rising healthcare needs, the local group “One Grain of Wheat” was formed. Students visited the organization and listened to Deputy Executive Director Chang Jun-Jie share operational experiences, helping them better understand the tribe’s current healthcare situation and challenges.

At the millet park and riverside ecological park, Mr. Hsu guided students through hands-on experiences with the millet industry—from planting, growing, and harvesting, to processing millet into wine. Students toured the production spaces and learned the full process through detailed explanations. The visit also deepened their understanding of Lunpi’s unique ecological features.

The Atayal Life Pavilion highlighted the tribe’s unique cultural aspects from everyday life. Through various static exhibits, videos, and hands-on millet ornament making, students gained a deeper appreciation of Atayal traditions.

Through these two field-based teaching events, students progressively developed a better understanding of the tribe’s culture, history, traditions, and current challenges, encouraging them to consider the possibilities of contributing to local revitalization and how they might get involved in the future.