Preserver of Atayal Oral Tradition Yang Chung-Te Passes Away, Ministry of Culture Issues Commendation

Central Message

(Central News Agency, Reporter Chiu Tsu-Yin, Taipei, May 9) Yang Chung-Te (Yukan Tayax), preserver of the indigenous oral tradition "Atayal Oral Tradition - Great Leopard Group," passed away on April 22 at the age of 72. Chen Ji-Min, Director-General of the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, attended the public memorial today and presented a commendation from the Ministry of Culture, which was received by his widow, Chen Mei-Yu.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Culture today, Yang Chung-Te (Yukan Tayax), born in 1954, was a member of the Bngciq Great Leopard Group. His family had long played a role in coordinating local affairs, and he himself served as a representative of the Fuxing District. He had excellent tribal language abilities and rich traditional knowledge, earning great respect from his people.

Yang Chung-Te was able to narrate the ancient wisdom and skills of his ancestors in his tribal language and cite ancient sayings. The Taoyuan City Government officially recognized him as a preserver of the oral tradition "Lmuhuw na Tayal“Bngciq” (Atayal Oral Tradition - Great Leopard Group)" in 2026.

Chen Ji-Min, Director-General of the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, stated that Yang Chung-Te had long dedicated himself to the revitalization of Atayal traditional knowledge and language culture, leaving an important example for Taiwan's precious indigenous intangible cultural heritage. The Bureau of Cultural Heritage will continue to support local efforts to preserve and transmit intangible cultural heritage, ensuring that indigenous traditional culture can be passed down through generations. (Edited by: Li Hsi-Chang) 1150509