Our Philosophy and Features
The College of Indigenous Studies at I-Shou University is committed to cultivating indigenous talents with deep cultural roots and professional capabilities. Our mission is to become a key driver for the preservation, innovation, and development of tribal culture. We place a strong emphasis on cultural foundations while integrating modern professional knowledge to provide students with a diverse learning environment.
In an era of rapid change, students must transcend the limitations of a single discipline, possessing cross-disciplinary integration and practical skills. The college designs culturally rich learning content based on three major programs, enabling students to develop their potential both academically and practically, becoming well-rounded professionals.
Through the Indigenous Students Resource Center, we offer comprehensive support, including learning resources, cultural activities, and life counseling. By fostering a friendly and growth-oriented environment, we help students thrive at the intersection of culture and expertise, preparing them to become future leaders of their tribes.
Purpose of Establishment
I-Shou University is located at the confluence of the Gaoping River, a pivotal point in the transportation network along the Gaoping Mountain Range. It is at most only 80 kilometers away from Indigenous communities in southern Taiwan, making it the geographical center for Indigenous communities in this region. Over the past 30 years, the university has nurtured numerous elites actively contributing to Indigenous societies, maintaining a close relationship with the social and economic development of Indigenous peoples. As a key educational hub in southern Taiwan, I-Shou University specializes in the fields of communication and design, hospitality and tourism, and nursing. The university strives to cultivate Indigenous professionals who possess both cultural grounding and practical expertise, serving as a vital foundation for the revitalization of various communities.
The Indigenous College originated from the Indigenous Development Center, which was established in 2011 as a first-level administrative unit of the university. Starting in 2012, the university successively launched three Indigenous specialty programs under the College of Communication and Design, the College of Tourism and Hospitality, and the Department of Nursing. In 2013, the “Pulima Creative Workshop” was established to provide courses for Indigenous cultural and creative talent development, highlighting the university’s commitment to nurturing professionals in Indigenous affairs. In the same year, the Indigenous Development Center also introduced a second-level unit, the “Indigenous Student Resource Center,” to offer comprehensive academic and life support, helping students strengthen their cultural roots and professional skills.
To enhance horizontal collaboration among Indigenous specialty programs and effectively integrate resources and faculty from various colleges, the Indigenous Development Center was reorganized into a first-level academic unit, the “Indigenous College,” in February 2016. It became the second Indigenous college in the country and the only one located on Taiwan’s western coast. This reorganization aims to establish a more solid foundation for the sustainable development and long-term growth of Indigenous professionals.
Through the joint efforts of the Indigenous College and the Indigenous Student Resource Center, I-Shou University continues to promote multicultural education and foster industry-community collaboration within Indigenous communities. These efforts demonstrate the university’s deep commitment to Indigenous education and its dedication to becoming a central force in preserving and transmitting Indigenous knowledge and culture in Taiwan.
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