This research on the Millet Ark project is really touching. Because of the changing times, these indigenous people have to choose between traditional crops and high-income crops. As a result, millet had been forgotten for a long time and almost became extinct. Luckily, these Atayal people decided to revive millet, and also held experience courses to raise their income. This makes us understand that it is difficult to choose between the economy and the protection of traditional culture. However, they are not willing to take actions, but also work hard to preserve the culture and wisdom of their ancestors. They really deserve our respect.

2021.12.25 On Christmas day, we came to the Atayal tribe in Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County. I listened to Ms. Pagung telling the story about millet growing. I really admired her courage and perseverance. This interview also made me understand that the restoration process of ordinary millet is not ordinary. In fact, it’s very demanding. Ms. Pagung also noted humbly that if it wasn't for the help of the whole family, she would not be able to complete such a meaningful work by herself. During the process, I experienced the great human and friendship of the Atayal people. I also learned that they are grateful for their culture, their tribe, and even the land under their feet. What an unforgettable experience!

After studying the Tianpu tribe for a semester, I discovered the hardships and efforts of the indigenous people to strike the balance between profits and cultural preservation. I also learned how to organize materials more efficiently. I hope that the culture of the indigenous people can be preserved in modern society, so that Taiwan can maintain a diverse culture. Also, hope the Millet Ark Project can successfully inject new hope to Tianpu Tribe.

After studying the millet ark this semester, I think it is not an easy task to restore millet, but I did not expect that the residents of Tianpu would make so much effort to preserve the traditional culture of the Atayal people. But also, because of the efforts of Professor Lin Yiren and Ba Weng, and the cooperation of the clansmen, more than 30 kinds of millets have been successfully reproduced. This is what I admire very much. In addition, I did not expect that they could accidentally retrieve the traditional Atayal language they once lost during the restoration of millet. I hope that we can all work hard to preserve our own culture, respect every culture, and let the world have these precious cultured forever.

On Christmas, we listened to Ms. Pagung telling the story of millet. I learned how the Tianpu tribe started to restore millet. At the beginning, they started to grow black persimmons and tomatoes, and they had economic benefits. With the economic base, they began to restore millets. In addition to black persimmon tomatoes, they also have other crops, such as tree beans, cabbage, comb melon and so on. I think the Tianpu tribe worked hard to restore millet, so that we could eat all kinds of millets. Finally, they successfully restored millet, which taught me “ You may never know what results come from your action, but if you do nothing, there will be nothing.”

After this visit, I think Ms. Pagung is really a remarkable person. She has not only restored millet which has been extinct for more than 30 years, but also helped tribal farmers to set up shops, allowing farmers to sell the fruits and vegetables they grow without the profit withdrawn by the middlemen. And the restoration of millet is not an easy thing. I think the tribal farmers are really united. Without them, millets would never be successfully restored. Ms. Pagung also said, “Without the help of the tribal farmers, I would never be able to complete the restoration of millet.” At the beginning of this plan, even Ms. Pagung’s parents did not agree to it, but all the tribal farmers were helping them. After all, it has paid off. I hope Tianpu tribe can become prosperous and announce to the world that “Xiaomi is back.”

In the process of collecting information, I got to know Ms. Pagung. She works almost every day in order to make the millet have a good harvest. Her goal is only one, which is to keep the traditional culture and let the people in the tribe live. Live a full and happy life. In this interview with Tianpu, I also learned more about why the Atayal people of the Tianpu tribe wanted to restore millet. A simple idea, but followed by a string of unexpected results. Their hard work paid off. Hope that in the future, this land of the Tianpu tribe can be covered by crops as far as we could see. Also, more people will appreciate their efforts and the charm of Tianpu.

On 25th December, we arrived in Ms. Pagung’s hometown- Tianpu tribe, which is also known as the hometown of Millets. After listening to Ms. Pagung’s explanation, I learned that growing millets takes everyone’s effort. Ms. Pagung also noted that this project wouldn't be that successful if we didn’t have everyone’s hard work and participation. I really admired their perseverance and hard work.

After this visit, I think Ms. Pagung is really a very powerful person because she restores millet that has been lost for more than 30 years. At first, I thought it was a simple thing to restore millet, but after this visit, I realized that it is not easy to restore millet. If they didn't have the spirit of unity and cooperation, there would be no way to restore the lost millet. As long as they work hard, I believe the Tianpu tribe can become better.