Youth Embraces Cultural Roots
- nabalunews
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
6 June 2025
KOTA BELUD: The harvest festival at Kg Tamalang wash not only attended by elders and community leaders, but also a spirited group of young people proudly embracing their cultural heritage.
Amidst the laughter, traditional music, and enticing aroma of local dishes, it was the vibrant energy of the youth that truly stood out, eager, enthusiastic, and deeply committed to preserving their traditions for generations to come.
Cassandra Ivy, a vivacious 23-year-old from Kg Taginambur, is currently a second-year student at University Malaysia Sabah (UMS), pursuing a degree in Nursing. Despite her young age and modern outlook, Cassandra holds a deep respect for her cultural roots and traditions. She is passionate about preserving her community’s rich heritage, particularly through the celebration of traditional customs and attire.
A firm believer in the importance of cultural preservation, Cassandra advocates for the continued wearing and showcasing of traditional costumes during festivals, especially the harvest festival. She feels that these occasions are perfect opportunities to honour and celebrate the unique identity of her people. Specifically, Cassandra is dedicated to promoting the Dusun Tindal traditional costumes, which she believes are a vital part of her cultural legacy.
For Cassandra, traditional costumes are more than just garments; they are symbols of history, identity, and community pride. She hopes to ensure that the Dusun Tindal traditional attire remains a vibrant and recognisable part of their cultural heritage, passing down its beauty and meaning to future generations.
Aquerra Emison, a 20-year-old student from Kg Bukit Bendera, echoed Cassandra’s sentiments, emphasising that traditional dances such as the Sumazau are vital components of cultural heritage that deserve to be preserved. She expressed her belief that it is important for these dances to be passed down through generations, ensuring that their significance is not lost over time.
According to her, there should be a greater emphasis on gaining an in-depth understanding of these traditional dances, which can be achieved through dedicated learning about their history and cultural context. She feels that young people should take a keen interest in their cultural heritage, viewing dances as a way to connect with their roots and identity.
Aquerra also stressed that the background and meaning behind each dance should be thoroughly explained and celebrated, to enrich the appreciation and respect for these traditions. By doing so, she believes the cultural significance of dances like the Sumazau can be better preserved and appreciated, securing their place in future generations’ cultural landscape.
Jenetty Banang, a resident of Kg Taginambur who works as a driver, remarked, “Basically, we know that the Harvest Festival has been a part of our cultural heritage for many years, and we should continue celebrating this event for future generations.”
He emphasised the importance of remembering and honouring our culture and traditions through the Harvest Festival, viewing it as a vital way to preserve our identity. Jenetty expressed the belief that by actively participating in and sustaining these celebrations, “we can ensure that our cultural practices endure alongside those of other communities with different customs and traditions.”
He further highlighted that such festivals are not only a reflection of history but also a means of fostering community spirit and shared pride, which are essential in maintaining our cultural legacy for generations to come.
Romanho Prinson, 19, from Kg Taginambur who is a Form Six student, said he knew about Harvest Festival and rather admired the beauty of the Harvest Queen.
“I believe they embody the beauty of Huminodun, the daughter of Kinoringan that legends say sacrificed herself,” he enthused.
Alfred Kunsing, a 49-year-old farmer from Kg Taginambur, nodded in agreement with the others. As a farmer who is closely connected to the land and earns his livelihood from it, he holds great respect for the Harvest Festival. He believes that the festival serves as an important reminder of the hard work and dedication of those who toil on the land.
He agrees, that the Harvest Festival helps ensure that the contributions of farmers and rural workers are recognised and appreciated by the wider community. For him, it is a vital occasion that honours the aenduring relationship between people and the land, and helps preserve the cultural significance of farming traditions for future generations.
The celebrations in the village were honoured by the presence of Kadamaian State Assemblyman, Datuk Ewon Benedick, much to the delight of the local community, who regarded him as a true leader of the people. He also officially inaugurated the event, marking its formal commencement.
