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Group Borneo - Curtin’s TLCS MPU, Miri (2026)

01/05/2024

Dear all,

This is a friendly reminder that our event, "Indigenous Awareness Day," is fast approaching. We are thrilled to invite you to join us on May 3, 2024, at the LT Foyer, Curtin University Malaysia. Let's come together to celebrate the vibrant cultures of the Iban and Melanau peoples, and to honor their rich heritage and contributions. We look forward to seeing you there!

01/05/2024

Hi everyone.
We're excited to introduce you to the vibrant cultures of the Kenyah peoples.

Kenyah:

The Kenyah people are mainly found in the state of Sarawak, situated on Borneo Island. Their one-of-a-kind culture is recognizable by their elaborate woodcarvings and traditional longhouses, which a typical Kenyah village traditionally comprises a single longhouse stretching up to 400 yards (370 meters) in length. The community has always practiced animism as a religion and values their ancestral lands deeply but nowadays, due to missionary work, most Kenyah are Christian. During the early 21st century, it was approximated that the Kenyah population ranged from 40,000 to over 50,000 individuals. Alongside many other indigenous groups worldwide, the Kenyah face multiple challenges today. For instance, due to the adverse weather conditions and a lack of interest among the younger generation to learn the art of carving, Kenya's longstanding tradition of wood carving faces a threat amidst the process of urbanization. Moreover, they also encounter restricted access to resources and opportunities alongside land intrusion. Based on the news article, beginning in the early 1980s, industrial logging enterprises extended their operations into the remote regions of Sarawak, initiating deforestation, displacing indigenous communities from their ancestral territories, and paving the way for extensive transformation of diverse ecosystems into single-crop plantations. Both governmental institutions and several organizations work together to preserve this tribe's traditions while keeping up with safeguarding their rights; however, it remains an uphill battle for these communities that deserve equal attention!

About Kenyah People
https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Kenyah/328161 #:~:text=The%20Kenyah%20are%20native%20people,includes%20their%20neighbors%20the%20Kayan.

Cultural heritage loss
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-10/19/c_139451983.htm

Limited Resources and Land Intrusion
https://news.mongabay.com/2021/06/listening-to-communities-must-go-beyond-ticking-compliance-boxes-says-peter-kallang-a-kenyah-leader/

30/04/2024

Hi everyone.
We're excited to introduce you to the vibrant cultures of the Bidayuh People.

Bidayuh

The Bidayuh people, one of the indigenous groups of Sarawak, Malaysia, possess a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in their traditional practices and beliefs. Historically, they were known as the 'Land Dayaks,' reflecting their close ties to the land and agriculture. Today, they predominantly reside in the hilly regions of Sarawak, where they maintain their distinct language, customs, and communal way of life.
Despite their vibrant culture, the Bidayuh community faces various challenges. One significant issue is the preservation of their cultural identity amidst rapid modernization and urbanization. As development encroaches upon their traditional territories, there's a risk of cultural erosion and loss of ancestral lands. Additionally, socioeconomic disparities, limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure in rural Bidayuh communities exacerbate their marginalization.

https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/ielapa.200007831

29/04/2024

Hi everyone.
We're excited to introduce you to the vibrant cultures of the Penan People.

Penan:

The Penan are an ethnic group of nomadic forest hunters, primarily residing in Sarawak but also in Kalimantan and Brunei. They have a nomadic lifestyle, living alongside other groups rather than their own territories. They recognize two main groups: East Penan and West Penan, geographically separated by the Baram River. Some of the last nomad groups are found in Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak. The Penan people of Sarawak are hunter-gatherers, using silent blowpipes and poison darts for hunting, particularly wild pigs. They also hunt deer, smaller animals, and fish in rivers. Sago, their traditional staple food, comes from the palm tree core and is processed into a powder. They also gather ferns and fruit from the forest. While some settled Penan have started planting crops, they still rely on the forest for most of their needs. They bartered forest products for manufactured goods, but the government struggles to change their nomadic ways due to distrust and harassment from logging companies. The Penan people are facing threats to their traditional way of life due to extensive logging of their hunting grounds, oil exploration and drilling near their rivers, and the spread of palm oil and timber plantations. The Sarawak government has refused to recognize their land rights for decades.

Article:
https://www.survivalinternational.org/tribes/penan
https://factsanddetails.com/indonesia/Minorities_and_Regions/sub6_3f/entry-4020.html

24/04/2024

Hi everyone.
We're excited to introduce you to the vibrant cultures of the Kayan peoples.

Kayan:

The Kayan people, an indigenous ethnic group in Malaysia, primarily reside in Sarawak on the island of Borneo. They are a subset of the larger Dayak ethnic group and are renowned for their traditional longhouses, which serve as communal dwellings for multiple families. In the past, their religious practices revolved around animism, but over time, their beliefs have been influenced by Christianity and Islam. Moving on to the culture, Rural Kayan are still largely farmers who harvest rice in forest clearings for their own consumption. They also get their food by fishing, hunting, and harvesting fruit from the forest. Historically, many Kayans were talented blacksmiths, recognized for their fine craftsmanship and traditional art. The Kayan people present various challenges, including land rights disputes, encroachment on their territories, and socio-economic disparities. Efforts have been undertaken to empower indigenous communities and safeguard their rights, yet continuous work is necessary to ensure their well-being and preserve their culture in modern-day Malaysia.

Article:
https://www.iwgia.org/en/malaysia.html.

22/04/2024

Hi everyone.

We're excited to introduce you to the vibrant cultures of the Kadazan and Kelabit peoples.

The Kadazan and Kelabit peoples are two distinct indigenous groups in Malaysia and Borneo, each with unique cultural traditions, languages, and histories.

First and foremost, the Kadazan people are an indigenous ethnic group mainly found in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, which is located on the island of Borneo. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Sabah, known for their traditional agriculture-based lifestyle, vibrant cultural festivals, and strong community ties. The Kadazan people primarily inhabit the interior regions of Sabah, particularly in the districts of Penampang, Papar, Kota Belud, and Ranau.

Apart from this, the Kelabit people are an indigenous group residing in the highlands of Sarawak, Malaysia, which is also located on the island of Borneo. They are primarily found in the Bario Highlands, a remote and mountainous region known for its lush landscapes and unique cultural heritage. The Kelabit people are renowned for their expertise in rice cultivation, intricate weaving techniques, and rich oral traditions.

However, the Kadazan and Kelabit peoples face critical challenges in preserving their heritage and ensuring sustainable development. Land encroachments by industries threaten their ancestral territories, while economic marginalization limits access to essential services. Rapid modernization erodes cultural traditions and languages, endangering their unique identities. Additionally, environmental degradation poses a significant threat to their livelihoods and ecological balance. Urgent action is needed to empower indigenous voices, secure land rights, promote equitable development, and protect the environment. By addressing these challenges collectively, we can support the resilience and wellbeing of the Kadazan and Kelabit communities, homering their invaluable contributions to cultural diversity and environmental stewardship for generations to come.

Kadazan Article:
https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/kadazan

Kelabit Article:
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12442/my

17/04/2024

Hi everyone.

We're excited to introduce you to the vibrant cultures of the Iban and Melanau peoples.

Iban:
The Iban, also known as Sea Dayaks, are the largest indigenous group in Sarawak, Malaysia. Once renowned headhunters and skilled warriors, they're now known for their vibrant culture and communal longhouse living. Their way of life, centered around rice cultivation and animistic beliefs, is deeply tied to the rainforests of Borneo. However, these very forests, crucial for the Iban identity and livelihood, face threats from logging and development. While the Iban play a vital role in preserving Borneo's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage, their rights and ancestral lands are increasingly under pressure.

Article: https://news.mongabay.com/2019/07/indigenous-iban-community-defends-rainforests-but-awaits-lands-rights-recognition/

Melanau:
The Melanau people, who are mostly found in Sarawak's coastal regions, have a rich cultural history that is rooted in nautical traditions and distinctive eating behaviours. The Melanau, who are well-known for their skill in fishing and seafaring, have survived for generations by using the resources of the ocean. Their close relationship with the natural world is reflected in their food, which includes treats like umai (raw fish salad) and linut (sago worms). Melanau communities face many challenges despite their important cultural contributions, such as conflicts over land rights, failing environmental conditions, and restricted access to economic and educational possibilities. It is essential to address these problems to protect Melanau heritage and promote sustainable development that honours their traditional way of life.

Article: https://www.cahyamata.com/lamin-dana-preserving-culture-and-heritage-through-generations/

15/04/2024

Dear all,

We are excited to announce the rescheduled date for our event, "Indigenous Awareness Day," which will now take place on 3 May 2024. Join us at the LT Foyer, Curtin University Malaysia, as we come together to honour and celebrate Indigenous cultures and perspectives. Stay tuned for further details and updates on this important occasion.

15/04/2024

Hi everyone.😁😁

We are students from Curtin University, currently doing Team Leadership and Community Service assignments. We are from Group Borneo, which was assigned to assist with "Indigenous Awareness Day" - Drinks Booth.

Our aim is rooted in fostering understanding, respect, and appreciation for Indigenous cultures and communities. Through collaborative efforts and shared learning, we aim to raise awareness and promote meaningful engagement with Indigenous perspectives. Join us on this journey of education and empowerment as we work together to support Indigenous voices, celebrate cultural diversity, and advance reconciliation. Let's make a difference and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable future together.

Group Borneo - Curtin’s TLCS MPU

01/05/2024

01/05/2024

30/04/2024

29/04/2024

24/04/2024

22/04/2024

17/04/2024

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