A person who connects the cultural memories of the nation.

For many years, Ms. Ka' Thi Ngoc Huong (commonly known as Ka Huong, 35 years old), a daughter of the Ma ethnic group in Ta Lai commune, has diligently and persistently worked to preserve cultural identity and improve the lives of the people. Ms. Ka Huong was honored with a commendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for her outstanding achievements in preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of ethnic groups in the locality.

Báo Đồng Nai•10/05/2026

Speaking with reporters from Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio & Television, Ms. Ka Huong expressed her hope that the efforts of the local community would receive more attention, thereby contributing to the preservation, exploitation, and development of cultural tourism .

Preserving cultural beauty

Ms. Ka' Thi Ngoc Huong, a daughter of the Ma ethnic group in Ta Lai commune.

* For many years, you have been actively involved in preserving the traditional culture of your ethnic group. Could you share some of the activities you and others have undertaken recently?

- Ka Huong has been involved in preserving the traditional culture of her ethnic group through activities such as: managing the traditional gong and dance performance team of the Ma people in Ta Lai commune, finding markets for the brocade weaving products of Ma women in the area, teaching English for free to children, and participating in traditional activities such as learning Ma folk songs, learning to make bamboo musical instruments... and nature conservation activities.

* What fuels your passion and dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of your people?

Ka Huong was fortunate to be born amidst the vast forests of Cat Tien National Park, raised by the hands and teachings of her grandmother and mother, who passed on to her not only weaving, lullabies, songs, and dances, but also the identity of her ethnic group. From a young age, she witnessed the beauty of her people's traditional festivals, listened to the yal-yau and tam-pot songs of the village elders, and heard the rhythmic sounds of gongs echoing like a harmonious blend of the mountains and forests. All of this left a deep impression on Ka Huong's mind, which she still cherishes today. This is what has driven Ka Huong's passion and dedication to preserving the beautiful cultural traditions of her people.

* In the face of societal changes, concerns about the loss and decline of traditional customs and practices among ethnic minorities are becoming increasingly prevalent. How does this manifest itself among the Ma people in your hometown?

- One story that deeply moved Ka Huong and brought her to tears was about the times she performed campfire shows for tourists at Ta Lai Longhouse. K' Yeu, who usually played the bamboo instrument for her, was always there. But that day, he fell ill with kidney failure and was bedridden. Ka Huong felt a pang of disappointment because she had been so busy with work that she hadn't had time to relearn how to use all the traditional musical instruments of her ethnic group.

Another story comes from Ka Huong's grandmother, a woman with exceptional weaving skills, possessing unique weaving techniques and patterns that only she knew in the village. Yet, no one bothered to learn until she passed away, at which point everyone realized how much they hadn't learned when they still had the chance.

It was all too late. Ka Huong always respected the preservation and safeguarding of ethnic cultural characteristics, not only for herself but also for future generations – they would be the ones to continue preserving the ethnic cultural identity in the future. Fortunately, the children in Ta Lai village still love being taught Ma folk songs, dances, and gong playing; they participate very enthusiastically.

"Storytelling" to preserve the soul of the nation.

* You once had the opportunity to study abroad and develop yourself, but you chose to stay in your homeland. Could you share more about your decision?

- Ka Huong had to carefully consider the choice between personal development and staying in her village. She recalled the difficult time she spent going from house to house, pleading with the members of the gong ensemble to rebuild it. Similarly, with the children's class, if Ka Huong didn't participate, who would guide the children, teach them folk songs and dances, and help them learn activities to preserve their ethnic culture?

Ms. Ka' Thi Ngoc Huong with the children in the class she organized. Photo source: Provided by the subject.

With all those concerns in mind, Ka Huong decided to stay. Ka Huong didn't think her decision was right or wrong, but to this day, she still believes she made a wise choice to stay and do what she loves. She also feels she's not alone, as more and more people are joining hands in the work of preserving ethnic cultural identity.

With a deep love for her national culture, especially as a young, educated individual, considered Gen Z—representing a generation that is creative and open-minded, yet also highly conscious and responsible for cultural values and national identity—Ka Huong always tells herself: If I don't preserve and share my culture, it will gradually be forgotten.

The message Ka Huong wants to send to young people is that no matter where they are or what field they work in, their roots and national heritage remain the cradle of their growth, and must be cherished and preserved.

* You are working hard to preserve and develop the traditional brocade weaving craft, while also reviving the Chau Ma mother tongue by transcribing it into the Latin alphabet to teach to the children. These tasks must not be easy, right?

- The Ma language is a spoken language, without a written script, making it very difficult to perfect. However, Ka Huong uses this difficulty as motivation. If she doesn't maintain her ethnic group's mother tongue for the children in the village, then all the efforts to preserve and maintain her cultural identity over the years will be wasted and meaningless.

Therefore, Ka Huong will continue her work of reconstructing the Ma language using Latin transliteration. Initially, she will use it in the classes she teaches, gradually comparing and refining it.

“Receiving the commendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ka Huong still feels a mix of emotions because of her dedication to preserving traditional cultural identity over the years. The results are recognized not only for Ka Huong personally but also as an acknowledgment for the entire Ma community in Ta Lai village in particular and the Ma community living in Vietnam in general,” shared Ka Huong.

* What plans do you have and are currently pursuing to leverage the culture and lifestyle of the local people, thereby promoting and exploiting their values to benefit your homeland?

- Ka Huong's plans and aspirations for the community extend beyond preserving cultural identity; the spiritual and material well-being of the villagers also needs attention. Ka Huong recognizes that the Ma people of Ta Lai village need more attention regarding social welfare policies and the support of various agencies, departments, and organizations to help them develop tourism, especially in terms of capital. The tourism industry in Ta Lai village has many advantages for combining the traditional cultural identity of the ethnic groups with ecotourism in the Cat Tien National Park, but currently, tourism activities there are largely spontaneous.

Thank you very much!

(performed by Vuong The )

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202605/nguoi-noi-nhip-ky-ucvan-hoa-dan-toc-eb701ee/