By Gu Siou-Fei, Chairperson of Hakka Affairs Council
The Hakka heritage is both our bloodline and our identity. Taiwan has nearly 4.7 million Hakka people nationwide, with over 3 million residing in the six major municipalities. Many live in traditional Hakka villages, but an increasing number have migrated to urban areas where their Hakka identity gradually becomes less visible.
In 2021, I served as the Chairperson of the Tainan City Government Hakka Affairs Committee. Before this position, I worked in the governments of Pingtung County and Kaohsiung City. Upon arriving in Tainan, I encountered a significant difference from the Gaoping area: “Where are the Hakka people?”
Identifying Hakka villages in the traditional Liu-Dui region, comprising 12 townships, is relatively straightforward. In Kaohsiung, we also face challenges in locating early migrant Hakka communities in urban areas. However, Kaohsiung still allows us to trace urban development patterns to locate relatively concentrated Hakka settlements. In contrast, Tainan lacks Hakka villages, and its Hakka population is more dispersed, resembling the distribution in metropolitan Taipei region. With over 130,000 Hakka people in Tainan, identifying and connecting with them became our top priority.
My approach has been proactive: leveraging books, language, school education, and public events to showcase Hakka culture. This visibility encourages Hakka individuals, particularly those in urban areas, to reconnect with their heritage. I launched the “Finding Hakka People in Tainan’s Hundred Trades” initiative to identify Hakka individuals who had been hidden in plain sight. Their stories were captured in texts and videos, creating a platform to amplify their voices. We built a cohesive Hakka community in Tainan by collaborating with associations and community networks.
As part of this effort, we organized an annual parade in the city, showcasing the strength and unity of Hakka individuals across various trades. This initiative not only promoted Hakka culture and language but also secured its place in Tainan’s 400-year history of urban development.
Participation in the 2024 World Taiwan Hakka Reunion Conference
In September 2024, I was invited by the Vancouver Taiwan Hakka Association to participate in the “2024 World Taiwan Hakka Reunion Conference.” I had the privilege of exchanging ideas with over 300 Hakka representatives from Taiwan who have settled across the Americas and other global regions.
The conference topic, “The Global Spread of Hakka and Cultural Heritage,” resonated deeply with the challenges faced by Hakka communities globally. Adapting to new environments and integrating locally often leads to the diminishing visibility of Hakka identity. Rebuilding this identity and preserving Hakka culture remain formidable challenges.
This experience filled me with gratitude. I am inspired by how global Hakka communities unite through associations, regularly hosting activities in their cities. These efforts not only enhance Taiwan’s visibility but also attract hidden Hakka individuals, younger generations, and even international friends to engage and learn about Hakka culture, thus strengthening Hakka identity.
The Vancouver Taiwan Hakka Association is a prime example. I noticed how they actively involve their second- and third-generation members in activities. The inclusivity encouraging participation and dialogue in Hakka is crucial for cultural transmission.
Hakka Cultural Preservation and Future Goals
As Chairperson of the Hakka Affairs Committee, I deeply understand the concerns of every Hakka individual regarding cultural preservation and the challenge of identifying “hidden” Hakka folks. Addressing these concerns is central to our policy making efforts. However, I urge everyone to set aside their worries and recognize that we are all contributing to the journey of Hakka heritage.
The vibrant activities and strong networks of global Hakka communities inspire confidence. As long as we embrace our Hakka identity and walk this path together, we will inspire more Hakka individuals to join us, strengthening the global Hakka community.
The Hakka Affairs Committee will continue its efforts through policies focusing on language, industry, and cultural initiatives, enhancing national and global recognition of Hakka pride. Together, we will ensure that the world sees Taiwan and celebrates Hakka culture.
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