Hmali’, rgrgyax and Gaga: a study of Tayal elders reclaiming their Indigenous identities in Taiwan

This article examines how older Tayal, an Indigenous people in Taiwan, regain, reclaim and renegotiate their identities by reconnecting to Hmali’ (the Tayal language), rgrgyax (mountains) Gaga Law). A critical qualitative design informed hermeneutics was used. In total, 14 bbnkis (elders) were interviewed, the data thematically analysed. The aim of this is contribute ongoing revitalization processes Taiwan. Such often tend reinforce quest for authentic identities, as if indigeneity could be reduced a pale reproduction things used old days. Our findings show that not about returning fixed past. Instead, it writing back against colonial framework imposed on peoples and, way, healing from trauma.