Inaugural cultural parade brings little-known Dusun Sandayo into the spotlight

 

KOTA KINABALU: The inaugural parade held in conjunction with Sabah Ethnic Day 6.0 has provided a meaningful platform for smaller ethnic communities, including the Dusun Sandayo, to step into the public spotlight. 

Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Etnik Sandayo Sabah (Press) chairman Rosnah Taton said the parade offered valuable visibility to help highlight the Sandayo cultural identity to a wider audience. 

Sandayo is a Kadazandusun sub-ethnic group in Sabah, primarily residing in Kampung Pinangkau, Kampung Golong, and Kampung Kaindangan in the Paitan district, located more than 200km from the state capital. 

"We are less well-known and face the risk of extinction, with an estimated population of between 3,000 and 6,000 people. 

"We have our unique traditional attire, distinctive dances and language. However, the Sandayo language is increasingly at risk as younger generations are less exposed to it at home, partly due to intermarriage and migration," she said. 

Despite these challenges, she said participation in the parade marked a vital step in introducing the Sandayo identity to the public.

"If we are seen, we are remembered," she said, dressed in a blue traditional outfit known as the Sabung Impit Sandayo. 

Another participant from the Era Budaya dance group, Edith Gloria John, said taking part in the state's first-ever cultural parade was about identity, pride, and rediscovering her roots. 

"I wanted to take part because I enjoy dancing. Even though I am a nurse, I have a strong interest in cultural dance," she said, adding that such platforms help young people reconnect with Sabah's diverse heritage. 

Rosnah and Edith were among 300 participants who braved the heat for the parade on Saturday. 

Organised by the Sabah Cultural Board, the event was held in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman. 

The parade began at Dataran Deasoka and proceeded for 2.3km, ending at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). 

Sabah Youth, Sports and Creative Economy Development Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, who flagged off the participants at 5pm, said the initiative serves to preserve ethnic heritage for future generations while providing visibility for cultural bodies. 

He added that the programme has strong potential to be developed into a cultural tourism product.

-nst online.