Based on the accumulated research of the Institute of Ethnology (IOE), this multiyear project aims to organize and re-structure various genres of research publications, data, and collections in digital format, in order to facilitate future application for the cultural and educational development of indigenous knowledge systems. In the first year (2021), we focused on building a bibliographic database, digitizing selected IOE monographs of indigenous ethnography, and creating a digital inventory of existing indigenous collections. Special emphasis was placed on updating the interpretive material for objects and images relating to collaborative exhibitions, as well as conducting workshops in preparation of constructing a geographic information system.  

This year (2022), in addition to the bibliographic database and digitalization of indigenous research monographs, the focus of this project will shift towards value-adding for indigenous research publications, linking texts, objects and images across various digitized IOE indigenous research collections. Furthermore, construction of a geographic information system mapping indigenous knowledge systems will begin. This project also provides grants to visiting indigenous scholars involved in the making of collaborative exhibitions, and it will host introductory lectures by IOE's researchers for indigenous programs in universities.