Background

In January of 1967, Tony Coolidge was born to Yu Chu Chen in Taipei, Taiwan. The father of Tony, an American soldier known as Jeff Smith, left for America before he was born. Yu Chu worked hard to raise Tony with her parents in the village of Wulai. In 1969, Yu Chu met the American, David L. Coolidge, fell in love and married a year later.

The Coolidge family included Tony, two brothers and a sister. Pictured in the photo from left to right are James Coolidge, Christine Coolidge and Tony Coolidge. Not pictured is Steve Coolidge. The children were raised as Americans in a military family, living around the world.

Discovery of Indigenous Taiwanese Heritage

In 1995, Yu Chu Chen died in Orlando, Florida of cancer. In April and May of 1996, Tony fulfilled on his promise to his mother to visit Taiwan to meet his relatives. Thanks to his aunt and uncle from Florida, Yu Yin and Jim Lytle, he was able to visit Taiwan. During his trip, he discovered and fell in love with his indigenous tribal heritage and committed his life to making a difference for his people and culture.

Return To Taiwan

After his initial trip to Taiwan, Tony created the film project and his non-profit organization, ATAYAL. In 2000, he returned to Taiwan to reconnect with his family and reach out to others. Tony visited the hotel his family owned in Wulai. He was also greeted with generosity by relatives at a celebratory dinner. In a special moment, Tony visited his great uncle, Hong-Long Lin and Mr. Lin's mother-in-law. The Atayal matriarch shared her special memories of tribal life during the 1920's and 1930's.

During this trip to Taiwan, Tony reached out to key members of the Taiwanese government for support. He also met Tien, Kuei-shih, who was a world-renowned photographer to dedicated his life to chronicling the disappearing facial tattoo culture of the Atayal tribe. Tony also took the opportunity to spend time with the family of his wife, Shu-min.

Spreading the Mission in America

The non-profit organization ATAYAL has created events and projects to raise awareness in the United States about the indigenous tribes of Taiwan. A core group of organizers of the Voices in the Clouds film project created the first fundraiser for this film at the Crazy Buffet Restaurant in Altamonte Springs, Florida in July of 2002. From left to right center photo, Derek Bedini, Amei Stephens, Tony Coolidge, Joseph Stephens, and Aaron Hose. The Taiwanese Heritage Festival in Orlando in 2003 was organized by ATAYAL and leaders of the Central Florida Taiwanese community.

With retired Florida representative Marvin Couch, Tony discussed global issues with U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney. Shu-min Coolidge and son Johan lend a hand during Global Fest at Lake Como Elementary School in Orlando, Florida. Po-wen Chen, a retired Taiwanese politician living in Orlando, Florida has joined the ATAYAL organization as an advisor and important supporter.

Tony's vision expanded to unite the indigenous tribes of the world when he had the opportunity to attend and share at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in the United Nations Building in New York City in May 2004. He made friends with tribal leaders of many countries.

Inviting Tribal Leaders To America

The Indigenous Heritage Festival was created and hosted in October 16, 2004 with a vision of uniting tribes of the world. The festival brought together key characters of the film for the first time. ATAYAL invited the Taipei Multicultural Arts Group led by Alice Takiwatan. Tony came to admire Alice as a mother figure as well as a hero who has worked hard to unite the tribes of Taiwan. Tony shared with Alice a tour of Orlando City Hall. The festival united tribal leaders from Taiwan, North America and Africa. The vision of the festival was realized when the Seminole Tribe of Florida hosted the Taipei Multicultural Arts delegation for a cultural exchange. This uniting of tribes is an important step in providing a strong united voice for all tribes of the world.

The film crew will return to Taiwan in December 2004 to reunite with the indigenous people to create something special.