Department of Indigenous Development and Social Work

The Department of Indigenous Development and Social Work  at the College of Indigenous Studies, National Dong Hwa University, is dedicated to integrating Indigenous development and social work education, research, and practice.

The College of Indigenous Studies at National Dong Hwa University was established on August 1, 2001, initially offering the Graduate Institute of Ethnic Relations and Cultures. Following the merger of National Dong Hwa University and National Hualien University of Education in 2008, the Graduate Institute of Ethnic Relations and Cultures and the Social Work Degree Program were integrated and renamed the Department of Indigenous Development and Social Work beginning in the 2010 academic year. The Department offered both undergraduate and master's programs.

In August 2014, in response to the requirements of the social worker licensing examination, the Department was reorganized into two academic units: the Department of Indigenous Affairs and Development and the Bachelor's Degree Program in Indigenous Social Work. These two units pursued distinct yet complementary educational missions, working together to strengthen the development of Indigenous affairs and social work.

Despite several organizational changes over the years, the Department was renamed the Department of Indigenous Development and Social Work in the 2024 academic year to address changing political, economic, and social circumstances and challenges in Taiwan and around the world. The Department now offers undergraduate and master's programs, as well as an in-service master's program in Indigenous Social Work.

With high aspirations for its educational mission, the Department integrates Indigenous development and social work through interdisciplinary teaching and learning. It engages in practical work with Indigenous communities and other local communities and conducts participatory action research on issues affecting Indigenous homelands, marginalized regions, and disadvantaged populations. Beyond teaching and research, the Department is committed to advancing humanistic care and fulfilling the university's social responsibility through meaningful engagement with society.

Our vision is "Indigenous Development as Our Foundation, Social Work as Our Practice." We are committed to cultivating professionals and researchers with expertise in Indigenous affairs, social work practice, and academic research.

More than an academic institution, the Department is a community that embraces the spirit of Indigenous communities and a close-knit family. Within a culturally diverse learning environment, students deepen their understanding of Indigenous development and social work while putting their knowledge into practice. Ultimately, we strive to advance Indigenous public affairs grounded in Indigenous peoples' self-determination and to promote culturally safe social work practices that respect Indigenous cultures, values, and ways of life.