KENINGAU: A proposal to establish a cultural and traditional village featuring three indigenous ethnic groups was among key issues raised by the Sabah Gana Ethnic Organisation (Pegs) during a courtesy call on newly-appointed Keningau District Chief, OKK Alexius Tingadon.
The proposed cultural village would feature three traditional houses — Baloi Gana representing the Gana ethnic community, Baloi Nabai representing the Murut Nabai community and Vadlai Kujau representing the Dusun Kujau community.
Pegs delegates during the courtesy call on the newly-appointed Keningau District Chief.Pegs proposed that the three traditional houses be developed on land at Taman Awam Bandukan, Keningau, as part of efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Sabah’s indigenous communities.
Pegs President Julius Favianus @ Mohd Hafiz said the proposal was among the aspirations shared during the meeting with OKK Alexius, which also discussed efforts to strengthen the preservation of Gana customs, traditions and cultural identity.
“This meeting was not merely a courtesy call, but a step towards building a common understanding between the indigenous community and the district administration to ensure our cultural heritage continues to be appreciated and passed on to future generations,” he said.
According to Julius, the proposed cultural and traditional village should be viewed as more than a physical development project.
He said it could serve as a heritage, educational and cultural centre, allowing the public, particularly the younger generation, to gain a better understanding of the traditions, history and way of life of Sabah’s indigenous communities.
He stressed that cultural preservation should not be confined to documentation or stories about the past, but should include practical efforts that enable younger generations to experience and understand their heritage.
The meeting also touched on efforts to strengthen Gana customs, cultural values and customary laws, which Pegs said possess their own distinctive characteristics while sharing similarities with the customary systems of other ethnic communities in Keningau and Sabah.
Julius said preserving indigenous heritage required the support and cooperation of various parties, including district leaders, government agencies, community organisations and indigenous communities themselves.
