The Rise of Indigeneity and the Ontological Turn in Taiwan

Abstract (English)

Scott Simon (2018) argues that indigenous studies cannot be relegated to a sub-field of Taiwan studies. In his view, the recent rise of indigeneity in Taiwan presents a challenge to anthropologists, and an intellectual framework of decolonization begins by recognizing indigenous groups as emerging nations and as ontological subjects on their own terms. This article agrees with him on the significance of taking indigenous studies as a legitimate object of academic inquiry seriously, but takes a critical look at his use of ontology. As many scholars have warmed us, the ontological turn does not automatically lead to decolonization and it could be a new form of governmentality. Drawing from my experience of doing research both in Taiwan and in the Philippines, I suggest that a comparative perspective focuses on Taiwan’s wider connection to the Asia Pacific region and its specific experience of colonialism can contribute to new ways of doing indigenous studies.