(1) Origins of the Yami

     Yami live on Lanyu Island, which is very close to the Philippines' Badan Island. Consequently, the customs and languages of the two cultures are very similar. Several stories in ancient legends describe the excursions of the Yami to Badan Island.

     During the Japanese occupation, Lanyu was named Hongtouyu, meaning "Red Head Island". After Taiwan Restoration, this unflattering name was changed to Lanyu or "Orchid Island" after the island beautiful butterfly orchids.

(2) Tribe Distribution

     About 4,000 Yami live on Lanyu Island, located 49 nautical miles off the coast of Taitung. Due to the natural barriers, the residents here were the last to come into contact with Chinese culture.

     The majority of Lanyu Island, a volcanic island with an area of 45 square kilometers, is covered with mountains and tropical rainforest. As the Yami rely on fishing for sustenance, their society revolves around fishing. The men work together in fishing groups and share their catch, forming an interdependent tribal community.

     The Yami have no chiefs; rather elders from families are selected as advisors and these decide on important issues. Respect for the elderly and knowledgeable runs deep. The young learn through observing.
The areas populated by the Yami, including Hongtou, Yeyou, Tungching, and Hudao Villages, are currently under the administration of Lanyu Hsiang, Taitung County.

     Every year from March to June, the flying fish follow the Black Current to Taiwan. The Yami hold the very important Fish Calling Ritual, which brings in many outside observers. As a national park, Lanyu is one of Taiwan's major tourist spots.

     The tribe protested the burial of nuclear waste in the northern part of their island. The tribe's stepped up demands for autonomy following the inauguration of Taiwan's new president may have changed the impression of many of us in regards to this, the gentlest of aboriginal peoples.