Contested Pasts, Inclusive Futures: The Rise of Indigenous Archaeology in Taiwan

This article examines the emergence of Indigenous archaeology in Taiwan within the broader context of settler colonialism and postcolonial transformation. While Indigenous archaeology has been developing for decades in regions such as North America and Oceania, it has only been recognized in Taiwan relatively recently. I argue that this delay reflects the island's complex colonial history, shifting national identities, and the enduring influence of state ideologies on archaeological research. Historically, archaeology in Taiwan operated within positivist and cultural-historical paradigms that legitimized colonial governance while marginalizing Indigenous voices. By situating Taiwan within global discussions of Indigenous archaeology—defined as archaeology conducted for, with, and by Indigenous peoples—this article examines the ways in which recent collaborative initiatives challenge epistemic hierarchies and reconfigure relationships between archaeologists and Indigenous communities. Drawing on Indigenous-led projects that integrate oral traditions, local epistemologies, and cultural values into the research, this study demonstrates that such practices foster more inclusive and ethically grounded approaches to understanding the past. Ultimately, the rise of Indigenous archaeology in Taiwan marks an ongoing process of epistemic decolonization and contributes to broader movements for historical justice, cultural revitalization, and collaborative heritage management