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Taiwan's indigenous people have long been left behind amid the island's economic boom. Now, as Paula Hancocks reports, things are changing. 

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Some indigenous communities are turning into... their way of life into a business, and also trying to ensure that their traditions live on. 

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The oldest woman in Kayu village sings to one of the youngest, teaching her the songs of Taiwan's Atayal tribe. 

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Lawa Oyu' is 88 years old. She dresses in traditional clothes and speaks the Atayal language, hoping to preserve the culture of her indigenous tribe.

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"The traditions of our village and society, and the spirit of our ancestors are not passing to the next generation," she tells me. 

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"Our young people are facing a dilemma between adapting to modern society and retaining traditional values. I'm really worried."

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And so is the government. These tourists are learning how to make rice the traditional way, part of a government-subsidized project to bring visitors and money to the area.

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For just $20, tourists can sing like the Atayal, dress up like them and help to keep the identity alive.

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"It's important to learn how the indigenous people lived," says this tourist, "and how they've struggled to keep their culture."

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For much of the 20th century, many tribes suffered at the hands of colonizing powers, with some traditions and languages banned. 

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It was only in 1996 that the government started taking indigenous affairs seriously.

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The Atayal tribe is one of only 14 that's currently recognized by the Taiwanese government. 

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There are a few more that are currently lobbying to be acknowledged, 

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because with that recognition comes government subsidies and a far better chance of being able to preserve the language and the culture.

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Piling Yukan only learned to weave at the age of 45. 

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She says her ancestors would have learned by the age of 10. 

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She does regret not being taught by her mother, but tolerance towards indigenous tribes when she was growing up was low.

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She's now passing on her skill to tourists. 

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"The government subsidies are not enough," she tells me. "It's not enough to make a living, but we have to keep our traditions going."

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As long as they can keep the tourists coming and spending, these tribes hope there is a greater likelihood of self-preservation.