Meiyuan Community Migration History Tanwaelaela

**According to my mother: "Your grandparents took us, and we were about to embark on a long journey."** **"Where are we going?" we asked in surprise.** **"We are migrating," she said.** In the land of red beechwood (DiNiVai), your grandfather would often turn his head to gaze afar, sighing, "Aiyee!" Bidding farewell to his homeland with tears in his eyes. The migration journey unfolds as a celebration of life, where sweat drops were sown into the earth, cultivating deep roots. The Meiyuan community was formed by Rukai people who migrated from various Rukai settlements within Wutai Township. At that time, thirty-five households were the first to settle and cultivate this land, and they were known by the community as "asualalanga kelakai tu cekele" (the pioneers of cultivation). Within the historical context of "reorganizing diverse communities," Meiyuan did not have a "chief." Therefore, during the arduous period of early cultivation, all important community matters and operations were jointly discussed and decided upon by these thirty-five households. With changes in the environment and improved transportation after the relocation, most of the young people in the community left to pursue education and work, leading to a growing distance from the community's history and culture. Coupled with the gradual passing of the first generation of migrants, we felt a desire to preserve "this memory." Although there is no lineage of chieftainship, Meiyuan has the story of its "cultivation pioneers"—a foundation for the elders, the middle-aged, and the children to understand themselves and to tell their own stories. The community gathers, and through sharing, they piece together and rediscover the "shared memories" of over sixty years ago! During this process, they recall the hardships and labor of the village relocation, and many memories flow forth like a spring, converging to form the grand narrative of the Meiyuan community. This reprint provides Meiyuan with an opportunity to bring together the elders and the youth. Through their spoken accounts, this arduous yet precious history is naturally embedded in the hearts and minds of the younger generation. The elders and the middle-aged are also awakened to a sense of urgency regarding "historical inheritance," sparking the motivation to "tell these stories to the next generation of the community often." With these oral accounts, the reprinted picture book serves as a medium for toddlers, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged individuals, and elders to read and share at any time, ensuring the story continues to be told. © 2021 DPS. All rights reserved.