Identity becomes a livelihood.

Co Tu 2 — The Co Tu people have gained additional income from their traditional culture, which is one of the driving forces behind the preservation and promotion of their culture. Photo: Xuan Son

When Ho Thi Thanh Toa introduced students to the culture of the Co Tu people in Hoa Bac (Hai Van ward), with their brocade weaving and the patterns on the fabric, along with the Tang Tung Da Da dance, or when she talked about the Lieng fish and the importance of preserving this species, no one recognized that she was Thanh Toa, the Head of the Front Committee of Gian Bi village.

Standing before everyone was a woman deeply devoted to her homeland, diligently cultivating her knowledge to introduce visitors to the customs and traditions of her village, the primeval forest and the lives of the people dependent on the vegetation beneath its canopy, and the precious medicinal plants preserved by the Co Tu people for generations.

For nearly 10 years, Toa has been guiding tourist and educational groups, and for that same amount of time, he has been self-studying, reading many documents about the Ba Na Hills and Chua Mountain forests, and about the local culture of his hometown, so that he can confidently introduce them to strangers.

Since Hoa Bac established its community tourism cooperative, Toa has been one of the 30 affiliated members, the leader of the village's performing arts group, specializing in serving tourist groups who wish to enjoy the traditional songs and dances of the Co Tu people, introducing local culture to tourists, and managing the brocade weaving cooperative.

Developing community-based ecotourism helps improve the lives of the local people. Thanh Toa said that her work takes place during the dry season, providing a modest income, but it motivates many Co Tu people to confidently showcase their culture as a cultural product.

Among those who have spread the movement of community-based ecotourism among the Co Tu people in the two villages of Gian Bi and Ta Lang, we must mention the pioneer Dinh Van Nhu with his Dinh Van Nhu homestay. Through the community-based ecotourism model, he has contributed to creating jobs for more than 50 members in various trades such as brocade weaving, basket weaving, culinary arts , and gong playing.

The lives of the local people used to depend mainly on farming and hired labor, but now they can raise chickens, catch fish, and gather wild vegetables to sell to tourists, in addition to making and selling souvenirs or weaving brocade fabrics.

People increase their income and can preserve their traditional culture, passing it on to the younger generation naturally without coercion or pressure. Therefore, preserving and developing indigenous culture not only enriches each individual and village but also enriches the spiritual and cultural life of the Co Tu people.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/ban-sac-tro-thanh-sinh-ke-3308287.html