The World Indigenous Higher Education Consortium（WINHEC）originated from the signing of the "Declaration of Indigenous Peoples in Higher Education" in Canada in 2002, initiating a transnational organizational effort to practice Indigenous education sovereignty. The 2023 WINHEC annual general meeting（AGM） was held from July 17 to 20 in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, with attendance from founding member nations, including Alaska, Aotearoa（New Zealand）, Australia, Canada, Hawaii, Sámi, Taiwan, and USA- mainland. Over a hundred participants, both on-site and online, as well as local communities, attended this year's meeting.

Dr. Bavaragh Dagalomai（Jolan Hsieh謝若蘭）, co-chair of WINHEC and a member of the Siraya nation from Taiwan, stated, "WINHEC aims to address historical trauma and contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous communities through education as a method and conduit." WINHEC traces back to the 2002 World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education in Canada, where Indigenous communities worldwide advocated for education sovereignty and signed the "Declaration of Indigenous Peoples in Higher Education," leading to the establishment of the "World Indigenous Higher Education Consortium." WINHEC is an international organization and an Indigenous rights movement, fostering cultural exchange and academic dialogue among global Indigenous peoples in higher education. This year's meeting covered Indigenous reports from around the world, highlighting the challenges faced by the 3.7 billion Indigenous peoples globally in the context of colonial history, cultural aggression, and oppression, resulting in structural inequalities in their cultures, social systems, and values.

WINHEC emphasizes that Indigenous education is a comprehensive system, and the participation of all age groups is crucial, with a special focus on encouraging youth and elders' involvement. Team member Mulas Ismahasan Islituan（Bunun）shared during the conference, "Taiwan's Indigenous movement has converged with global Indigenous rights and Fourth World movements." Away Maya Titiyon（Seediq）expressed excitement about participating in the WINHEC Global Indigenous Youth Alliance, stating that it was the "best international Indigenous curriculum and learning experience," looking forward to continued engagement and sharing Taiwan's experiences.

The Taiwan team kicked off the WINHEC AGM with songs in the Seediq, Bunun, and Amis languages, and led everyone in learning the Amis traditional dance. Representing the Seediq Peoples Assembly and the Indigenous Culture Master's Program at Providence University, Ciwas Pawan and Temi Pihu（鄭佳雯）applied for WINHEC accredation and presented their report. The program values the organic integration of Indigenous knowledge systems and contemporary issues, flipping the higher education scene through "Classroom in the Tribal-community" and "Cultural Response Teaching," starting from Seediq cultural heritage-based and traditional knowledge courses. Unlike conventional higher education faculty, they employ Seediq tribal elders to teach cultural courses, nurturing students with profound understanding of their own tribal cultures and knowledge systems.

During this year's WINHEC AGM, nominations for individuals making significant contributions to Indigenous education were also accepted. The Taiwan team nominated two individuals, and both were recognized and awarded by the committee. Lavaus Aluguyan（陳利友妹Paiwan）, the preserver of the "Kinavatjesan Traditional Embroidery" project, a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage in Taiwan since 2021, received the "Elders of Indigenous Wisdom Award" for her traditional cross-stitch craftsmanship and knowledge transmission. Additionally, the late Professor LIN Shu-Ya（林淑雅）from Providence University was honored with the "Indigenous Education Service Award." WINHEC's "Service to Indigenous Education Award" is the only award presented to non-Indigenous individuals, acknowledging outstanding contributions made by non-Indigenous education workers in promoting Indigenous education. The Seediq Peoples Assembly and Professor LIN Shu-Ya had participated in the 2019 WINHEC AGM hosted by National Dong Hwa University and held exchange discussions, gaining support and feedback for Indigenous education. Encouraged by Professor LIN Shu-Ya, the Seediq Peoples Assembly and the Providence University jointly applied for WINHEC accredation. It is regrettable that while Professor LIN Shu-Ya's dedication to Indigenous education was recognized and awarded by WINHEC, she tragically passed away due to the Taichung Metro public safety incident.

Furthermore, Dr. Bavaragh Dagalomai, co-chair of WINHEC, was acknowledged and awarded the Chiefs of Indigenous Leadership Award. During the award acceptance, Dr. Bavaragh Dagalomai expressed that she has been working together with global Indigenous communities for education sovereignty, carrying the knowledge and essence of Taiwan's Indigenous peoples. She credited the award as a testament to the collective support and guidance she received while learning valuable knowledge within the WINHEC family during her term（2019-2023）. She particularly highlighted how, despite the pandemic, the annual conference continued without interruption due to everyone's efforts, and expressed gratitude to all executive team members and the conveners of past conferences.