Taiwan Church News
3187 Edition
March 25-31. 2013
Church Ministry News

Reported by Chiu Kuo-rong

Written by Lydia Ma

Rev. Yawi Nomin, an Atayal pastor from Skikun Presbyterian Church, is a pastor devoted to the care of his congregation. However, he is equally devoted to the study of Atayal culture and the restoration and practice of the culture. One of his current projects is to preserve and promote an indigenous Atayal reed flute called Lubu.

Yawi Nomin recently obtained a grant from the Bureau of Cultural Heritage that will enable him to start teaching classes about the instrument beginning May 1, 2013. The main purpose of the class is to help students appreciate the art of the instrument and the art of making indigenous instruments. Yawi Nomin underscored that there are many types of reed instruments in the world and indigenous peoples from countries such as China, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia have their own versions of indigenous reed instruments. However, Atayal and Sediq indigenous groups in Taiwan have an advanced version of this instrument compared to other countries because these two groups’ flutes use 4~8 reeds whereas other countries use only 1~3 reeds. For this reason, the Lubu is a precious world-class treasure and a valuable cultural heritage.

Yawi Nomin has worked tirelessly to restore and revive the use of indigenous musical instruments among his people. His efforts are very appreciated by local and the national government agencies, especially those working with culture and indigenous peoples. Sensing their support, he submitted a proposal whereby he would conduct a few lectures on cultural preservation. His proposal was not only approved, but also given a grant. The project will be co-sponsored by the Bureau of Cultural Heritage and Yilan Aboriginal Community University.

The music seminars are scheduled to start in May 2013 and Yawi Nomin hopes that they will be conducive to passing on this wonderful art so that it doesn’t become extinct. Anyone interested in learning the Lubu may contact Skikun Church, Atayal Presbytery, or Yilan Aboriginal Community University as seminars will be held at those three locations.