Saisisit

Saisiyat, sometimes rendered as Saisisit, is the name given to an indigenous ethnic group of Taiwan. They have traditionally inhabited the central mountain and foothill regions, with communities most commonly located in Miaoli and Hsinchu counties. The Saisiyat language, a member of the Austronesian language family, is the community’s historic tongue. In contemporary times, most Saisiyat are bilingual, speaking Mandarin as well; the language is considered endangered, with revival and documentation efforts pursued through education and cultural programs.

Culture and social traditions center on ritual practices, oral history, and seasonal ceremonies. The most widely known festival associated with the Saisiyat is the Pas-ta’ai, a ritual dance and ceremony performed to honor ancestral spirits and stories tied to the origins of the people. The festival is conducted by designated communities and transmitted across generations, sometimes attracting visitors and researchers who document the performance and its meanings.

Historical context and contemporary status: The Saisiyat, like other Taiwan indigenous peoples, experienced land dispossession and pressures from broader immigration and modernization. In modern Taiwan, they are officially recognized as one of the nation’s Indigenous Peoples and participate in governance and programs aimed at protecting cultural heritage, language preservation, and social welfare. Community organizations work with government agencies to support education, cultural transmission, and the safeguarding of traditional practices.

Population and distribution: The Saisiyat number among Taiwan’s smaller Indigenous groups, with communities primarily in central Taiwan. Ongoing efforts focus on language revitalization and cultural continuity, while many Saisiyat people navigate everyday life through a blend of traditional practices and modern livelihoods.