Storing Communal Memory and Identity

Community-building initiatives in the Greater Erjie Area in Yilan started with the moving of an ancient temple, an event that involved a thousand local people. Another project was the renovation of the Erjie Irrigation Channel, which led to the creation of a footpath. Through these initiatives, local residents discovered that communal participation is the best way to influence public affairs and effect change in the local area. The community-building initiatives in the Greater Erjie Area put people center stage and aimed to improve their lives. In addition to relocating the temple and renovating an irrigation channel, in recent years the initiatives have also set up a traditional art institute program and a winter festival that have proven very memorable. The participation of local residents has helped shape a local cultural identity and revive a sense of community and a sense of belonging.