Most tribal cultures have not achieved the level of world recognition that the New Zealand Maori enjoy. Some are rarely known about outside their nation's borders. Without the recognition and attention, the survival of these ancient cultures depends on the policies and agendas of the governments in power. Many governments of the world have not fully appreciated the value of their indigenous peoples, who add diversity and history to their heritage. In the name of "progress," some countries abolished the way of life their indigenous people have known for centuries and imposed a world that is often difficult to adjust to. Those who refused to let go of their way of life were forced further away from encroaching civilization, which was often into the mountains. Above the madness of the modern world, up in the clouds, they could still embrace their culture through language, song and dance.

Unfortunately, these beautiful voices in the clouds are in danger of being silenced forever. As long as they are unknown to the outside world and remain uncultivated, they will always be in danger of extinction. Such endangered cultures can be found throughout the world.

There is beauty, wisdom and richness in every human culture. Every time an indigenous culture is lost to "progress," we lose another unique facet of the identity of mankind. Without the diverse facets of culture, the jewel of humanity will lose its brilliance. Those who believe we have already lost too many facets have dedicated their lives to the study of indigenous cultures to preserve what is left. It is the belief of the ATAYAL organization that preservation efforts will be more effective when the indigenous peoples are empowered with a voice that makes a difference in the world around them.

ATAYAL is currently focused on the endangered culture of the indigenous Formosan tribes. Their culture is still endangered, even though the government has increased their support and established a council on indigenous affairs. The government and organizations have provided subsidies and assistance to their "original peoples," however the tribal people have yet to overcome the hardships and adversity of the modern society around them. There will take a gradual process of healing to overcome generations of stereotyping. The environment for cultural preservation has improved. Representation among the ranks of government is also improving. What the ATAYAL organization can do to help is to promote the indigenous Formosan culture outside of the borders of Taiwan.

The island of Taiwan (Formosa) has been home to dozens of unique indigenous tribes that have flourished for thousands of years. Their colorful customs and expressions are some of the most beautiful to be seen in this world. Taiwan has been colonized and administered by the Chinese, Japanese and European governments for the past 500 years. Many indigenous peoples have lost their lives to war, disease and famine and many of the tribes have lost their distinctiveness. It is a story that parallels the plight of the Native American Indians.

There are currently ten recognized indigenous tribes left in Taiwan, with a population of about four hundred thousand officially recognized members. There are many mixed "Han" Chinese and indigenous marriages. In instances where the husband is of "Han" Chinese heritage, the family lineage is considered Chinese. This means there are far more people of indigenous ancestry that are not officially recognized. Each tribe has its own dialect of a language similar to other Austronesian languages found throughout the Pacific Rim. The indigenous languages of Taiwan have already lost much of its vocabulary because so much of their lifestyle has changed. The governing peoples have introduced other languages to their culture, such as Dutch, Japanese, Taiwanese and Mandarin. Facing pressure to conform to the host societies, most indigenous Formosans have little time or motivation to learn their native language. The remaining language is in danger of disappearing as generations die off.

In modern Taiwan, the constant pressure of trying to make a living in a competitive economy leaves little room for indigenous Formosans to learn and embrace their culture. The education system is very rigid and intense, leaving little time for the study of indigenous languages in any formal manner. Students often choose to learn English or Japanese to gain an edge to survive. Indigenous Taiwanese often hide their own cultural identities to avoid negative stereotyping when seeking for employment or social opportunities.

Only since the government began taking steps to recognize and preserve the indigenous culture of Taiwan has there been a turnaround in interest by tribal people to embrace their own culture. Indigenous groups have established classes to teach the native languages and culture to children. Indigenous attractions and museums have become a draw for tourism, as well as providing a way for the tribal people to earn a living expressing their cultural heritage.