The festival presented co-research results and art performances of 170 community members that show their wisdom.
Held annually since 2015, the festival aims to promote cultural diversity, mutual respect and empathy among the groups. Since 2016, it has been co-hosted by the Pioneer, Action for H’Mong Development (AHD) – a network of H’Mong students, and VTIK – a network promoting indigenous knowledge of Thai ethnic minority people.
Under the festival, an exhibition on the research results by different communities was organized. Here are pictures representing some research results:
Thai ethnic minority people’s indigenous knowledge, including seed storing in gourd or bamboo shells; wooden bells used for buffalo in the forest; the jewelry given to the bride by the husband’s family on the wedding day; and “khan pieu”, traditional craft which is used as woman’s headpiece.
Research on Pakoh and Ta Oi languages focusing on vocabulary
Ma family in Ma Tra village, Sa Pa commune, Sa Pa district in Lao Cai province has had 7 generations. Ma A Pho, a member of the family, would like to explore the process of generating and transferring indigenous knowledge through generations, including playing khen, a musical instrument, practicing wedding procedures and herbal medicine.
Blacksmith shop honours indigenous knowledge and tells a personal story in Ta Phin commune, Sa Pa district, as well as his hope and contemplation for the blacksmith job and traditional farming tools.
Changes in cultural practices of M’Nong ethnic minority people in Dak Nong province. Culture changes when people move, when rice is replaced by coffee and pepper.
Most Pakoh people live in compounded material house with concrete columns, bamboo net and metal roofing. They mention the buffalo horn made of wood on the roof to show the power of the house.
Neu tree is made from the trunk of most beautiful tree with Giang (the God) staying at the top.
Ethnic minority people need exclusive solutions for improving living environment, including treatment of empty pesticide bottles so that the soil and water go not get polluted...
… allocation of dustbins…
… and proper burning of waste.