The World Indigenous Day celebrations traditionally see an amalgamation of a diverse range of indigenous (Orang Asal) cultures. This year's celebration, held in the Orang Asli village of Kampung Pian, Pahang, was no different. The organising of this national-level celebration was quite a feat, requiring the collaboration of many different groups of Orang Asli from across the country and in neighbouring villages.
Celebrated on August 9 every year since it was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, this year's celebration coincided with the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. In Malaysia, it was the fifth time the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (JOAS) was organising it, and the first ever that it was hosted in a village with over 500 attendees.
With the theme of “Continuing the Indigenous Heritage”, participants shared the best of their heritage through dance, music, food and sports over a period of four days.
Tapioca and groundnuts cooked traditionally over firewood in bamboo was just one of the many recipes shared.
