Dialogue with Indigenous Studies scholar and activist Dr. Jolan HSIEH（Bavaragh Dagalomai 謝若蘭)

Dr Jolan Hsieh / Bavaragh Dagalomai

Professor, Department of Ethnic Relations and Cultures, and Director, Centre for International Indigenous Affairs National Dong Hwa University (NDHU), TAIWAN

Dr. Jolan Hsieh, Ph.D., graduated from Arizona State University – Main campus (USA) in 2002, specializing in Justice Studies with a focus on International Indigenous Rights and Movements. She is a distinguished Taiwanese Indigenous scholar-activist representing the Taiwanese Indigenous Siraya Nation. Recognized for her academic prowess, she has been honored with the Research Excellence Award and multiple Teaching Excellence Awards from NDHU. 

Dr. Hsieh has held esteemed visiting fellow positions at the Institutum Jurisprudentiae, Academia Sinica, and as a Canadian Studies Faculty Research Grant fellow. Additionally, she has been distinguished with the Ministry of Science and Technology's Humanity and Social Science Visiting Scholar's Grant.

Dr. Hsieh's influence extends across national, regional, and international platforms. Presently, she serves as the Chairperson of the Taiwan National Security Institute, member of the Executive Yuan’s Human Rights Protection Committee, Coordinator of Indigenous Peoples’ Policy at the New Frontier Foundation, and Board member of esteemed organizations including the Modern Couture Foundation and the Taiwan Indigenous Professors Society.

Furthermore, Dr. Hsieh has been instrumental in various capacities within organizations such as the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium, serving as Co-chair. She has also contributed significantly as an Advisor and Reconciliation Commissioner to the Presidential Office's Indigenous Historical Justice and Transnational Justice Committee, in addition to her role as Executive Editor of the Taiwan Journal of Indigenous Studies. Actively participating in Indigenous language and cultural revitalization movements, Dr. Hsieh aligns her scholarly pursuits with the broader goal of advancing Indigenous studies globally.

Dr. Hsieh's extensive publication record encompasses diverse topics, including Indigenous knowledge, transdisciplinary research, and the Rights of Plains Indigenous Peoples in Taiwan. Her leadership in government-funded projects and involvement in shaping Indigenous policy platforms exemplify her unwavering commitment to advancing Indigenous rights and promoting social justice.

Dr. Jolan Hsieh's outstanding achievements and relentless advocacy for Indigenous communities firmly establish her as a respected figure in the field of Indigenous studies. Notably, she played a pivotal role as one of the principal authors of Indigenous policy platforms, contributing to both President Tsai Ing-Wen's tenure (2016-2024) and president-elect William Lai’s campaign in 2024.

All SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies events are open to public and not needing registration.

Photo Credits: Human Rights Protection Committee Taiwan.