Ahronglong Sakinu

Ahronglong Sakinu is a Taiwanese indigenous Paiwan writer and forest hunter. His name means "The Last Hunter" in Lalaulan. Sakinu is best known for his debut book, Hunter School (2020), and the film adaptation of his earlier work, The Sage Hunter. He is also a recipient of the Wu Yung-fu Literature Prize.

Sakinu was born on 28 January 1972, in Taitung, Taiwan, to the Paiwan Lalaulan clan. His childhood was challenging, marked by his father's abusive behavior, which drove his mother out of the house and caused Sakinu to run away frequently. Despite these hardships, Sakinu's connection to his indigenous roots remained strong. He was trained as a police officer and worked in law enforcement in Taipei before becoming a forest ranger.

In 1998, Sakinu wrote The Sage Hunter, which won him the Wu Yung-fu Literature Prize in 2000. The book was adapted into a movie in 2005. In November 2005, he founded the Hunter School to educate and reconnect young people with Paiwan culture and traditional skills.

Hunter School (2020) is a work of fiction that blends recollections, folklore, and autobiographical stories. The book explores themes of identity and heritage, presenting a young man's journey to reconnect with his tribal identity. The book has been praised for its insightful portrayal of aboriginal Taiwanese societies and has won several awards.

Sakinu's passion for preserving indigenous culture led him to resign from the Special Police First Headquarters in Taipei in 2002. He returned to his birthplace, Laulauran, Taitung, to pursue his dreams. His work involves writing, giving speeches, and running programs like Cinunan Adventure Education, founded in 2020.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Sakinu credits his grandparents for his love of storytelling and acute insight. Despite being criticized by teachers for his writing, Sakinu persevered, saying, "But you can grow mushrooms from a sow's ear and rotten wood!"

As a forest ranger, Sakinu has planted over 120,000 trees, emphasizing his environmental commitment. He often quotes his father, saying, "Our land is borrowed from our children," highlighting the importance of conservation.

Sakinu's educational initiatives at the Hunter School focus on practical and cultural hunting skills. As part of the curriculum, students learn how to enter the forest, walk at a commutative pace, practice tracking and gathering skills, and cultivate a connection to nature. He believes in teaching the true spirit and heart of hunting.

In 2019, a fire destroyed Sakinu's home and the Haohao Classroom of Women, a significant loss for his village. Despite this setback, Sakinu remained resilient, rebuilding his village and continuing his educational efforts. His wife, Jane, played a crucial role in the reconstruction, using her architectural skills to design the new Hunter School.

The Hunter School now welcomes nearby schools, offering educational exchanges focused on Paiwan culture and forest wisdom. Sakinu's vision is for the school to foster a sense of community and connection to nature for all who attend, regardless of gender or race. He says, "The Hunter School isn't just for the Paiwan Lalauran village. As long as you want to learn about the wisdom of the forest, you are welcome here.