Indigenous Peoples (IPs) have a rich cultural heritage that is intricately woven into their histories, identities, and ways of life. At the heart of their cultures lies repositories of intangible heritage, encompassing traditions, languages, and knowledge passed down through many generations. Preserving and safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) holds a significance in fostering resilience and promoting sustainability.

Cartwheel, with its mission of promoting and safeguarding the rights and cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), has launched the Cultural LINKS (Leveraging Indigenous Niches through Knowledge Sharing and Storytelling) project in 2022. This initiative features harvested IKSVP (Indigenous Knowledge, Skills, Values, and Practices) and stories that portray the strength, courage, and resilience of the communities compiled in the form of a book. Phase I has been completed for the Sama-Bajau of Parañaque and Zamboanga, and Phase II for the Talaandig of Bukidnon. Currently, Cartwheel is in the process of completing Phase III which centers on the Tagbanwa of Culion, Palawan,

In November 2023, the Cartwheel team, with help from development partner, Magis Creative Spaces traveled to Culion, Palawan to facilitate a three-day extensive Story Harvesting Workshop with the Tagbanwa of the Chindonan-Alulad-Lamud-Marabal (“CALM”) Ancestral Domain (AD). The team consisted of Teresa Banta (Project Officer, Culion Palawan), Therese Jose (Main Facilitator), and Alyanna Cariño (Documenter). During the three-day stay, they engaged in a series of story circles and learning exchanges with the tribal leaders, and community members.

The process aimed to create a safe space to deepen the bond among the community members and reconnect them with their cultural heritage. The sessions also allowed them to share stories and narratives as individuals and as a community in relation to keeping their cultural heritage thriving. From the story circles and cultural conversations, three stories that were originally told and written in Tinagbanwa by the community members were translated into Filipino which will then be developed to be an anthology of stories.

Following the story circles and cultural conversations, the project team started working on post-collection and organization activities. They began by reaching out to potential illustrators for the development of storybooks and a module developer experienced in material indigenization and arts facilitation.

In contrast to Phases I and II, where the project team sought various writers to work on writing the stories, for Phase III, they opted to have the same Story Harvesting team that traveled to Culion, Palawan to refine the stories provided by the community. This decision was made to keep the substance and form as narrated, transcribed, and translated by the community members themselves in a way they deemed most fitting. The team’s role was limited to making minor edits and adding essential story elements.

Cartwheel then arranged an online consultation session with children’s book writer, Xi Zuq on January 18, 2024 to seek his expertise on children’s literature and gain valuable tips. During the session, he discussed engaging storytelling techniques, age-appropriate language, and the importance of illustrations in conveying the narrative. He also highlighted the significance of cultural sensitivity, especially pertinent as the anthology will showcase stories and narratives from the Tagbanwa community.

After the online consultation meeting with Xi Zuq, the team organized an initial briefing session with the illustrators to orient them, discuss more about the Tagbanwa, and provide an overview of the project. The briefing session also allowed them to brainstorm and align schedules to ensure a smooth transition in preparation for the next stage, the development of the storybook.

In two (2) months, the Story-Building and Development Team worked on coming up with rough sketches, storyboards, and eventually, initial drafts of the three stories. Alignment meetings were held to ensure all illustrators and editors were aligned on the values, tone, and artistic freedoms crucial for developing the stories.

After coordinating with community members, an Initial Validation was held on March 20, 2024. The Community IPS and Culture-Bearers reviewed the draft illustrations, Tinagbanwa texts, and Filipino translations. In April, the Story-Building and Development Team incorporated their feedback. On May 8, 2024, the Project Officer presented the revised stories and complete book layout to the CALM AD. The community reviewed and approved all illustrations and text, making only minor revisions. By the end of May 2024, the book was ready for printing after a final round of proofreading.

We are very excited to print the indigenized storybook anthology for the Tagbanwa children that are expected to directly benefit four (4) elementary schools within the CALM AD, their public school teachers, and approximately 240 students who will use the books for their indigenous learning!